People like to say (myself included) that “it costs nothing to be kind…”
I 💯 believe this; and yet…
…depending on where you are in your life circumstances, the daily grind has a way of draining mental energy needed to stop and express kindness or empathy. People rarely hold a deep well of compassion as it is when their plate is full, and they’re just trying to keep it together. Maintaining mental health and thick skin in a sometimes-dark world, it’s a daily struggle for some people. Even the strongest people.
So, yeah, being kind isn’t always “free” if you’re stressed-out and have nothing in the proverbial tank to express it. But the thing about kindness, is this: if you dig deep and summon whatever energy you can to be kind, you get something back the instant you do it.
Compassion is a two-way flow, and you get back what you give. If you don’t believe me, maybe just give it a shot anyway. You might discover what other humans experience, practicing kindness: being kind reduces your anxiety and stress, and even recharges your batteries a bit. Costing you nothing in the long run, after all.
But you have to try it, to even find out. You have nothing to lose, but maybe stress and a troubled heart.
Being helpful or kind is a strength in life, not a weakness. That ultimately goes double for being kind to yourself.
