Be Kind. Be Brave. Stay Awkward.
This week, I thought I’d flip my post upside down, and start with my sign off.
I include these three thoughts/sentiments/instructions for a few reasons, but mostly as a reminder to myself. In my first post, I spoke to my definition of “awkward,” and today I’d like to quickly give a few words for “kindness.”
Kindness and “being kind” have become a bit of a commercialized cliche. It’s been stitched on hats and printed on t-shirts. Which is all well and good, but this does seem to somewhat dilute its power. Makes it seem like a task as simple as slipping on a shirt.
So, what is it to “be kind,” aside from a lovely sentiment to wear proudly?
Well, despite what the dictionary might say, I think kindness is an action. It’s an infinite series of simple and complicated decisions we make every day in a million different ways.
It’s more than just choosing to not be a jerk, it’s an active choice to act with compassion and empathy.
Most importantly, I think that kindness is something that starts within. If you can’t be kind to yourself, then kindness to others is going to be a struggle.
Perhaps that’s an oversimplification, but the best things in life tend to be simple. And kindness is certainly one of the best things.
Now, I’ll leave you with where we started.
Be Kind. Be Brave. Stay Awkward.
Onward & Awkward 