Be Kind
Maybe the biggest test of late is this: no matter what happens, can you calmly maintain your equilibrium?
Can you remain detached enough from the energy and emotions swirling around you that you can make good choices? Can you be kind, even in the face of something distasteful?
Because one mis-choice of words or actions can ripple down through years - even generations.
Because one cynical comment can lose you a life-long friend. You touched a nerve you didn’t know was there, and you are no longer a trusted, safe place to be.
Because one hateful remark can make an enemy you really could have done without. You awoke their hidden pain harder than a lightning strike. You are now branded #1 to-be-avoided-at-all-cost, retaliate-hurt-if-possible.
So be kind. Be generous. Zip your lips when hurtful words try to emerge. Sit down, cross your arms and hold yourself tight when you’d rather deliver a punch in the nose.
Because you don’t know.
You don’t know what that person is going through, feeling, enduring. The whatever-it-is that makes them seem obnoxious or too loud or even dangerous.
You just don’t know.
If you must say anything, say, “Seems like you’re having a hard day today. How can I help?”
You will see an instant shift in their face, a slump of shoulder, near-tears in their eyes. Finally, someone has SEEN them, acknowledged them, offered help, even.
That’s enough to break the flow of their anger or fear.
That anger/fear is just energy that has been stuck with no way out, no safe way to be expressed. Now they can, if they choose.
Be kind. Everyone is suffering more than ever, these days, on one level or other. We all need kindness.
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BE KIND
© Angela Treat Lyon 2026
Aloha! I do speak before thinking, and of course often regret doing that. I have to force that shift in mindset...But hey, we are all human ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.
Thanks…we all need this reminder.