Live my life with kindness and compassion

sometimes intrigue me and sometimes make me nuts. The ones who rely heavily on fear to recruit others especially draw my anger, as I think it’s predatory in nature and to a degree…cruel. In addition, it’s completely unnecessary and contrary to what Jesus taught. His message, a message of kindness and compassion that originated long before his birth, could be better spread with words and deeds that inspire, not frighten.

I’ll give Evangelicals this though ~ they give me the opportunity to practice. I have to make the effort to look past their words and recognize that they are struggling to live their lives as best as possible, much like myself. I dislike their approach, but that doesn’t mean I shouldn’t wish for them what I wish for myself and my loved ones ~ peace, happiness and clarity. ♥

to be kinder to myself. :o( Negative thoughts and fleeting moments of inferiority ~ I would be quick to dismiss them when directed towards others, yet I’m so slow to push them away when directed towards myself. Why the heck is that?

An act of kindness in and of itself! :oD I’ll shall hunt them down in our local library.

I’ve often wondered if I should set aside time every week to specifically address kindness and compassion with my kids. But I’ve noticed that the subject comes up in every day life, so I’m hoping to capitalize on it whenever the opportunity presents itself. In addition, we’re going to try more proactive things like donating to our local food shelter on a more regular basis and making blankets for Project Linus.

with a serious Pro-Life advocate today. She’s a talker too, so she’s an excellent debater. Not that she isn’t worth listening to, but people like this have their arguments planned and ready to go at a moment’s notice. I, on the other hand, was just looking to have a quiet hour with my daughter. :o)

Fortunately, I like listening to people. Almost everyone fascinates me, even if I strongly disagree with them. We discussed several issues ~ abortion, euthanasia, gay marriage, etc. ~ and managed to have a pretty decent conversation. Her rhetoric was strong (i.e…if I’m comfortable aborting a child in the first trimester, what stops me from killing my 11 year old or stops my husband from killing me), and I think a less patient person would have shown some anger, but I was able to enjoy our interaction without feeling irritated or attacked. I made the effort to look past her words and see her as human just like me.

If nothing else, today’s conversation strengthened my belief in the power of flexibility. Extremes are never good, whether you are Pro-Life or Pro-Choice. We are capable of meeting in the middle and should work to do so.

I forget to extend this to my children. I know it sounds funny, but because I adore them, I don’t have to consciously think about being kind and compassionate towards them. Without having to consciously think about it, I sometimes let frustration get the best of me, and I slip…especially with my younger, spirited one. :o) I don’t yell or scream, but I do get testy now and then.

Fortunately for me, she has a heart of gold and can forgive at the drop of a hat. It’s amazing really. So many people struggle with holding grudges, and here I am lucky enough to have this live-in teacher to show me the value of forgiving and moving on.

incorporating these two into my life for the last couple of years, and though I’ve derived the benefits, I realize that this is something you’re never quite “done” with. Since the process is ongoing, this goal will remain on my list for me to see every time I log in.