It's not just a moment. It's a way of relating to people. Most of us are not able to do this out of instinct. When you're behind the wheel of a car and someone pulls in front of you, kindness is not your first impulse. When you're with another person, working or living together day in and day out, responding with kindness is not always easy. We leap to judgments instead, reasons why the person doesn't deserve our kindness. Kindness is a learned response that comes from choosing it and practicing it. Even when people do stupid things, when things don't go well, the ability to respond to another person with tenderness requires enormous discipline. Our kindness reflects our experience of the kindness we have known toward us, and it begins with how we treat ourselves, so treat yourself with kindness. Recognize it's not a sin if you need a nap. Give yourself a pep talk when you need it, not a lecture. Be kind to yourself, so that when you see someone else in need, you will know how to respond. This is Dr. Scott Morris for Church Health.
Choose Kindness

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