Kindness is one of those things that sounds simple… but isn’t always easy. I think most of us would say we’re kind people. We try to be thoughtful, considerate, patient. But then real life happens. Someone cuts you up on the road, doesn’t say thank you when you’ve clearly given way, or just behaves in a way that feels… unnecessary. And suddenly, that kindness can slip a little. I know it does for me.
There are definitely moments — especially when I’m driving — where my first instinct isn’t exactly kind. It’s more along the lines of “what on earth are you doing?!” That immediate flash of irritation before I’ve had time to think. But then, if I pause for just a second, something shifts.
I start to think about the person behind the wheel. Who they might be. What kind of day they’re having. Whether they’re distracted, stressed, upset… or just not really paying attention. And while it doesn’t excuse everything, it softens my reaction. Because the truth is, we never really know what someone else is going through.
The same applies to those little everyday moments. Someone doesn’t say thank you. Someone seems a bit off. Someone reacts in a way that feels abrupt or unkind. It’s so easy to take those things personally, to assume the worst. But sometimes, it has nothing to do with us at all. Maybe they’re having a bad day. Maybe they’re overwhelmed. Maybe they just need a bit more kindness in their world.
And I think that’s something I’ve become more aware of over time. Not just being kind to others, but also being kind to myself. Because if I’m honest, that’s often the harder part.
I’ve noticed that whenever I get ill — even something as simple as a bug — my first reaction is often frustration. Almost like I’ve done something wrong. As if I should have been stronger somehow, or done something differently to avoid it. I’m actually dealing with a tummy bug as I write this, and that familiar feeling crept in again… that little voice questioning why I couldn’t just resist it.
But the truth is, our bodies aren’t machines. We’re not meant to be “on” all the time, perfectly healthy, perfectly resilient, never affected by anything. We’re human. Things happen.
And instead of getting annoyed with myself, I’m learning — slowly — to respond with a bit more kindness. To rest when I need to. To not lay blame. To accept that sometimes, my body just needs a bit of care and patience rather than criticism.
Because if we can extend understanding to other people, surely we deserve that same understanding too. Kindness doesn’t have to be grand or dramatic. It can be as simple as taking a breath before reacting. Letting something go. Giving someone — including yourself — the benefit of the doubt.
And maybe, in a world that often feels rushed and reactive, that’s more powerful than we realise.
This is something I touch on in my book too — that idea of softening towards yourself, letting go of constant self-criticism, and creating a more compassionate way of living. If that resonates, you can find it on Amazon and if you google The Enchanted Midlife by Suzy Turner, you will also find it on numerous other online bookstores.
If you’re taking part in the A to Z Blogging Challenge this year, let me know in the comments so I can check out your posts. And if you’d like to catch up on the rest of mine, you can find some of them here: A is for Alchemy, B is for Becoming, C is for Cycles, D is for Disillusionment, E is for Energy, F is for Flaws, G is for Grumpy, H is for Hormones, I is for Intuition, J is for Joy
