We say “don’t suffer in silence” like it’s an easy thing to do. Like it doesn’t take a world of strength to bring our pain, shame or fear forward for someone else to see. 

With this in mind, if we could be kind to one another, we could open up a window for someone. We could say, “it’s OK to hurt, it’s OK to be you, it’s OK to talk about the things you’re going through.”

You just never know how far a kind word can go.

We could stop judging people so much if we took a second to think about how much we're alike, instead of dreaming up reasons why we’re better or worse.

Because so many of us are hurting.

Each of us, with our broken open hearts... we could help each other heal instead.

Here’s a reminder that our very humanity rests on the compassion we show each other. It’s half poem, half prayer.

It’s all praise for a world made better by the way we love each other, and by the way we love ourselves.

Reasons to Be Kind: A Poem

Be kind, because we’re only here for a little while,

and we’re here together

on the same blue and green planet,

under the same deep sky,

born of the same mystery and the same things that keep the world spinning.

Be kind, because you don’t know every ounce of a person’s past,

or what their future holds.

You can hear what they share, 

But what of the pains and grief and fear they don’t yet have the voice to bare?

What about the cracks in their heart

where the light hasn’t poured in?

What about these sorts of things?

Be kind, because there’s hidden sorrow everywhere.

There are mountains of anxiety too high to climb.

There are emotions too raw to be set free.

A polite smile is a master of disguise,

even the heartiest people hurt sometimes.

There are those who know a dread so deep, an unspeakable depth,

as deep as the deepest seabed.

There are dreams hiding like pearls within shells of defense.

There are shadows fencing people in.

Rain falls in the brightest places.

For so many of us, it’s true

that we’re stronger than we seem

because we’re going through so much more than you can see.

Be kind, because we need your kindness more than even

we know.

And no matter which side of the fence you’re on,

no matter how bright or how heavy or how empty your heart feels today,

be proud that you’re doing what you can

to make it through each day.

Be proud that you’re strong enough to be kind to others

even when your own heart breaks inside.

Be proud because you’re human.

Be proud because you’re here.

Be proud because no matter your past,

you never know what the future holds for you.

Be kind to yourself, too.

. . .

My print picks of the week:

1. Love each other. Love yourself.
2. You never know what part of your story will be part of someone else’s healing.
3. This hawaiian ho’oponopono prayer.

Tell me:

Which part of this did you really need the most today?

Tell me in the comments. I read every single one, and I’d love to know what you think!

~ Jen