People like to say (myself included) that “it costs nothing to be kind...”
I 💯 believe this; and yet...
...depending on where you're at—in your life circumstances—the daily grind can have a way of draining mental energy needed to stop and express kindness. People rarely hold a deep well of compassion, when their plate is already full—or if they're just trying to keep it together. Maintaining mental health and thick skin, in a sometimes-dark world, it can be a daily struggle for some people. Even the strongest people.
So, yeah, being kind isn't always "cost-free" if you're already stressed-out and have "nothing left" in the proverbial tank to express it. But here's the thing about kindness: if you dig deep and summon whatever energy you can to be kind, you get something back the very instant you do it.
Compassion and showing empathy, where we can, becomes this two-way flow: 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—in practicing kindness: being kind reduces your anxiety and stress, and can even recharge your batteries a bit. So, just maybe...kindness ultimately costs 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 a little stress.
Remember: being helpful or kind is a strength in life, not a weakness. That ultimately goes double for being kind to yourself.
