Kindness
When is the last time you experienced it? What was its effect?
I experience being kinded (my word, defined as: “the experience of someone being kind to me”) regularly by my wife. Just last night, she listened to me with great understanding – even when it meant her having to admit some fault on her end in a conflict we had.
I was also kinded by her when she offered to get me water, helped with a task without complaining, and came alongside to support me in my endeavors. She kinds me every day as she …
- looks at me when I talk to her
- doesn’t interrupt when I talk to her
- smiles when she sees me
- teams with me (and me with her) for work around the house inside and out
- leaves post it notes around the house to thank me or encourage me
- prays with me and for me
- listens to my everyday new thoughts about life
- affirms my work and my worth
- and more…
What is the effect? I am drawn to her. I feel safe with her. My love for her is deepened. And I want to do all the same for her – to be kind in return!
How about you? Do you practice kindness? We all long for it and appreciate it when others are kind to us. Its at the core of the PLEDGEtalk way of communicating – even when not in conflict. To pause and give others time to share what is on their mind, is kind. To listen well, to echo back, and to validate their thoughts, ideas or concerns is to show them kindness.
Today – practice kindness towards your spouse, your child, a friend, your co-worker, or even random people that come across your path. See what effect it has on them. It will not only brighten their day, but it will yours too!
Mark Oelze
Author/Creator of PLEDGEtalk
Learn more at PLEDGEtalk.com
