Our theme for the month is “A World that Works for Everyone”. At first this seems like a lofty goal, out of reach for me as an individual. How can I make a difference? I have to remind myself of those times when just showing up and being who I am has made a difference. Remember to be and walk in the world with compassion, and caring, to be patient, and kind. To Be those qualities that I want to see in my world. To be kind to your server in a restaurant, even if they make a mistake, to be patient with the cashier at the grocery store after you’ve stood in one for a looong time. Just like you, they are doing the best they can with the circumstances they are faced with.
I recognize that when I am not these things, when I am impatient or short with someone, I need to go within and look at what’s going on in my own life. Am I tired? Am I angry at myself because I didn’t get something done? Where am I not treating myself with kindness and compassion? I’m passing that impatience with myself on to others in my day.
I know this seem like a small thing to change the world, but my world is where I circulate my presence in the day. People who I talk to, my circles, my friends. And I want to surround myself with people who inspire me, help me evolve into a better person, people who are passionate about their beliefs, those that are kind and compassionate. I don’t want them to always agree with me, but to be open to the conversation if we do disagree.
It seems like our world is full of contrasting beliefs about politics and religion, lifestyle choices and it can get heated and scary at times. However, I have found that when I show up as that compassionate person, the fire dies down. Besides, I don’t want to carry the negativity and anger around with me. I make that choice. I don’t have to agree, but I don’t have to fuel it either. Listening and observing are my best tools. Beliefs go very deep with people, I am not going to change their minds or help them to learn something new by attacking. I can help them see that not all people are going to shame them, judge them, or make them wrong for being who they are.
Being compassionate, kind, caring and accepting are the best tools we have to make A World that Works for Everyone.
Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.
~Mother Teresa
Affirmation
I choose to be compassionate and kind.
