...or lack of it. I've dealt with both today. A kind woman who went out of her way to make me feel comfortable in a strange town. Took me with her to lunch, talked with me about her son (who passed away from an unusual disease at the age of 12 seven years ago), gave me her phone number and said she is only 10 minutes away if I needed anything tonight. Kindness. True and pure.
Then, there were a few today who thought I didn't have anything helpful to say. More than that, they wouldn't discuss anything with me, just gave me the cold shoulder and didn't show me the courtesy of listening to me or trying to solve problems together. And even one who wouldn't look at me, much less talk with me. And I was supposed to be here to help.
So, kindness versus unkindness. I hate confrontation. I hate meanness. I hate unkind people. (Is that unkind of me to say??) Anyway, the thing is this: I'm so tenderhearted and I wish I wasn't. I expect people to be kind, and the truth is, there are many people who are NOT kind. And I let it bother me. A lot. How do I get past that? Maybe I never will. Maybe it's a good thing that I never will.
I'll keep trying to live that golden rule, I guess. Even if others in this world do not.
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Desiderata
Go placidly amid the noise and the haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible, without surrender,
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly, and listen to others,
even to the dull and ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons;
they are vexatious to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain or bitter,
for always there will be
greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career
however humble;
it is a real possession in the
changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs,
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you
to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals,
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love,
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment,
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit
to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore, be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be.
And whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life,
keep peace in your soul.
With all its sham,
drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.
by Max Ehrmann
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