A little kinder than necessary . . .

“Shall we make a new rule of life from tonight? Always try to be a little kinder than necessary.” 

 ― J. M. Barrie

Isn't that a wonderful thought . . . always try to be a little kinder than necessary.  I would share this with some of my co-workers but they might think that I should be following my own advice . . . LOL.  

But what is the cost of being kind?  For that matter, what is "being kind."  Is it being a bit more considerate?  Being willing to help out a co-worker or friend?  And what about family.  My darling daughter is really charming.  She is funny and kind and sweet and generous.  To her friends and their families.  They all love her and I am told over and over again, how lucky I am to have such a nice and sweet child.  But to be truly honest, I have told her on more than one occasion that it would be "nice" if she treated "us" like she treated her friends. If she makes a promise to a friend, it is written in stone.  If she promises my 10 year old that she will play cards with him, there is always an excuse as to why it doesn't happen.  Unfortunately, it is usually because she has a better offer from one of her friends.  Sigh.  I know it is her age, but . . . 

So, anyway, getting back to being kind.   I guess it would mean being considerate, thinking of others first, staying the course, being true to yourself.  It can be truly easy, sometimes.  And I see some people doing things and think "that is just so nice of them."  One woman on our bus (we are all regulars), knows who is getting on at what stops and who has to run to catch the bus (especially if they are transferring from another bus).  She keeps an eye out for them and sits in the front seat and make sure that no one is running only to miss the bus.  Me, I usually have my nose in my book.  The cost to Joan is nothing.  The result is priceless as it makes some people's days (especially the end of the day) just a little bit more pleasant, only because someone was being kind and looking out for them.

The cashier in our cafeteria always has a kind word for everyone, whether it is about their necklace or a new haircut.  Even those haircuts that are hideous, Lisa will say "you got a change, good for you, it is always good to make a change."  

So, another goal for 2012, not to necessarily make people wonder what drugs I am on, but maybe to try to be a little kinder than necessary