We have all experienced an unpleasant interaction with someone.We have all had a difficult time with someone.We have all had moments that we just wish never happened.All of these experiences lead us to an important understanding.They push us to know from our own life experiences that there is a very important ingredient in all human interaction.They teach us how important kindness actually is.Whether it is kindness is a conversation or an argument.Or perhaps kindness when dealing with strangers or close relatives.We all want to be treated with more kindness.Yet we cannot control what other people do.So the only thing that we can do that will make a difference is to be kind to others.To be the example.To light the way.To show other people how important kindness is through their experience of our own kindness.This does not mean we are push-overs.Nor does it mean that we let the other person have their own way.It simply means that when we speak with them, when we encounter them, we do it with kindness.We can say "No" with kindness.We can say "Go ahead" with kindness.We can tell them they did something wrong with kindness.We can disagree with them with kindness.Being kind does not mean our message has any less impact.In fact, sometimes it can have much more impact simply because we are being kind.Kindness is our compassion put into action.Being kind is not a sign of weakness.We can be strong and still be kind.It may actually take a great deal of strength to be kind in certain situations.Or it might just take being more present and more aware to be kind.And our kindness ripples out.That smile we gave a stranger on the street may help them to be kind to someone else.The kind gesture, perhaps giving up our seat on the train or bus, might help someone else watching to follow our example.We do not know what the ultimate impact of our kindness will be.It might even save a life.Or prevent someone from harming another.Or keep someone from hurting themselves.We do not know what other people are dealing with inside.Being kind is the surest way to support others regardless of what they are going through.And it also makes us feel good.

~ Sam Liebowitz, The Conscious Consultant