Dear one,
No two of us are truly alike. We have different bodies, stories and life experiences. We face different challenges and do so with different personalities and different educations. Even cultural upbringing varies from one person to the next. We do have something in common, though. Regardless of our age, social class, health status, address, income, or attitude, we are all dying.
We are all going to eventually take our last breath. That’s not being morbid, it’s being realistic. It’s why I do my best to treat everyone with love, compassion, and respect. I don’t know anyone’s full story and I shouldn’t treat them as though I do.
Repeat after me: They’re dying. Be kind.
It’s our default behavior when the doctors send someone home to be comfortable because they have exhausted all efforts to save their lives. That’s when we make sure they have all of their favorite foods, watch their favorite shows, complete their “Bucket Lists”… What I want to know is why we don’t treat everyone with the same level of understanding and reverence.
They’re dying! Be kind!
The cashier who overcharged you because she wasn’t paying attention. The dude who cut you off in traffic this morning. The pizza delivery driver who showed up two hours late with a cold pie.
They’re dying. Be kind.
The neighborhood gossip. The pastor’s kid with the drug problem. The coworker who doesn’t contribute to group projects.
They’re dying. Be kind.
Being kind doesn’t mean being a doormat. Being kind doesn’t mean ignoring or excusing bad behavior. Being kind doesn’t mean always being nice. Being kind means living and acting with compassion, with the focus being on the well-being of someone else without concerning yourself with what you will get out of the transaction.
They’re dying. Be kind.
Never forget that I love you, and that excludes no one.
Love,
