Kindness Begins With Me.

What a long week- 

Have you ever had a long week? Of course you have! 

I can't pinpoint what made this specific week so long... it may have had something to do with the fact that I've had a desire to blog a new post since 10 minutes after I posted my first one. I resisted. 

      

All week I've tried to correlate my experiences so I could put together a "master piece" blog. To no one's great surprise every day this week has been completely different and abstract. Pulling together one cohesive blog would turn into a book of random experiences.

      

What I've decided to post today, the significant point that you should take away from all of this jabber, is this- 

Just because someone is kind does not mean: 

• that they are ditsy
• that they don't have an opinion
• that they can't stand up for themselves
• that they can't be mean  

 Kindness does not indicate weakness in an individual, it reflects strength and understanding. 

       

Maybe you knew that, it took me sometime to realize this. As I worked on trying to be kind to those around me, I felt others found my kindness to be naive. It was a frustrating time; however, I found that being kind is worth it. 

 As I strove for kindness, other valuable traits fell into place.

• People appreciate a listening ear 
• People respect a positive voice of encouragement 
• People desire a kind heart 

I have been blessed numerous times in my life with kind people who so often give me the benefit of the doubt. I will forever be grateful for the kindness shown to me. The world is not a completely terrible place. :) 

    

 To finish up, here is a poem that Elder D. Todd Christofferson mentioned in his fall 2013 conference talk. It is directed towards women, but men these tips can definitely benefit you, too. 

"The world has enough women who are tough; we need women who are tender. There are enough women who are coarse; we need women who are kind. There are enough women who are rude; we need women who are refined. We have enough women of fame and fortune; we need more women of faith. We have enough greed; we need more goodness. We have enough vanity; we need more virtue. We have enough popularity; we need more purity." 

Have a fantastic day, and remember - Kindness begins with me - 

Liz