When I was care giving for my mother in her last few years I quickly learned to spend time with her without bringing my agenda into the day. At first I wanted to schedule our days with everything I thought would bring her joy. In my mind I thought she deserved to experience so much because of her hard & complicated life, I was wrong. She was her happiest when I sat with her simply talking, singing or spending time in nature. Those are the times that brought us both joy & a peace.
I have been doing the same in my life. I grew up in a childhood of drama & at times physical abuse of my mother & myself. The first 20 or 30 years of adulthood took many turns, counseling & getting my whole self healthy mentally & physically. But I always wanted the kindness I saw in the world to become a daily mantra & behavior! I realized during the Pandemic & shutdown we really needed all the extra kindness we could find for a healthier, happier world! This article touched on so many topics I’ve thought about. Thankfully my spouse has the same attitude about living, he always says being kind & safe are the important behaviors for every life. My personal license plate on my vehicle reads:
B KINDR
It’s a daily reminder to me and anyone who follows behind me on this bumpy road called life.