Every single one of us has the power to be kind from the beginning of a conversation until the end. Kindness does not mean that we act fake or that we let people walk all over us; it just means that we never allow for any person or situation to turn us into a version of ourselves that we are not proud of.
— Cloe Wade
To anyone who takes the time to look, it is clear that we live in a very divided and confrontational world. Around the world, across the country, in our neighborhoods and even in our families we can find ourselves divided. Sometimes we are divided on large and weighty matters and at other times we are divided my the smallest of misunderstandings.
Regardless of the issue, we may often find ourselves in a war of ideas. This is a war that no one can win because despite how we may feel or what we may believe, others have the agency to believe something else. The circumstances of our past, upbringing and personal experiences lead each of us to our own unique sets of beliefs and perspectives.
When we find ourselves in this situation, we must look for ways to look past our differences and to build on common ground. Such bridges of understanding are most easily built on a foundation of kindness. In our interactions with others, we cannot control their opinions. We cannot control their actions or words either. But we can control our own actions.
We can determine in every interaction with others — and especially in our interactions with those who disagree with us — to show genuine kindness. We can choose to always show the best version of ourselves. This may be difficult, but it will always lead to a better outcome.
Kindness builds bridges. Kindness heals wounds. And when we show genuine kindness, we can make the world a better and brighter place.
How could your difficult interactions with others be made better with kindness? When you have a difficult conversation, what can you do to show kindness? In what ways might this be difficult? How can you overcome those difficulties?