Years ago, I used to pick a quote and that would be my mantra for that particular year. A couple previous mantras include "When you harbor bitterness, happiness docks elsewhere" and "Be proactive, not reactive". I wanted to tie in my mantra to that area of self-improvement I wanted to focus on for that year.
This year, my quote is "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."
I strive to be a nice person and a kind person. I like to be nice and kind even when no one is watching. I try to do nice things for other people that deserve it. More than ever, I'm trying to focus on self-improvement just so I can be the best role model I can be for Finley.
I read a lot of blogs and there are two blogs in particular that have hit home this week.
One is by Glennon Melton and her blog is called Momastery.
The other one is by Melody Ross from her Brave Girls Club blog. I loved this post in particular.
Both blogs talk about supporting other people; not judging. I sometimes get caught up in judging others (I'll admit it) and I have to sometimes stop and 'reset' myself. I reset myself and crank up my levels of kindness and support. I try to show more empathy and understanding. I've learned more than ever, that every person has struggles and challenges every single day. Some are big struggles and some are small struggles, but we're all fighting a battle.
In addition to my "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle" mantra, I'm also trying to practice more acts of kindness. I want to try to do more nice things for people, just to hopefully bring a smile to their face and brighten their day. To show them that I support them, and love them and that we're on the battle front together.
To my friends that are going through some serious struggles right now, I'm thinking of you and hoping things will get better soon.
I'll end with some wise words from Leigh Standley (from Curly Girl Designs)...
Two of my favorite blogs as well! And this is a mantra we could ALL stand to live by--you just never know what's going on behind the scenes of the person next to you! We all wear a mask...
Love the Curly Girl quote... thanks for the smile.
Posted by: Stephanne | January 20, 2012 at 01:57 PM
I always make it a point to smile at everyone who makes eye contact with me. That could be the one thing that turns their day around. Life is short, we may as well be nice to each other while we are sharing this planet!!
Posted by: Cathy Hart | January 20, 2012 at 02:24 PM