Our last piece was on hate, yet it wasn’t as hateful as that sounds. We’re going to flip that around and talk about kindness. More so, on always being kind. It’s been the push I’ve been making as of late.

In theory, always being kind sounds great! It sounds so simple. I talk about kindness all of the time; with my wife, kids, family, friends and myself. It’s not that simple. It doesn’t come naturally to me, no matter how much I want it to. Don’t misread that, I am kind but often find myself lacking it.

I talk about the traffic around Pinellas a lot, too much. I lose my kindness far to often while driving here. I was on my way into the office the other morning when a car pulled out in front of me. Others were hindering traffic by not using turn signals. I slowed down and let a car out. I said good morning to the crossing guard while stopped at the cross walk. I am now looking at my attitude and reactions while driving as a personal test. Luckily, P isn’t following my lead when I lose my cool. From the back seat, she reminds me to “calm down daddy.”

I’m not sure who said it, but I quote it all the time; “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” There’s a kind of magic to kindness. Think about it. When you’re having a bad day, feeling off and a stranger on the street, café or elevator considerately ask how you’re doing. How does that change your attitude? When you see others smile, pick up a piece of trash, or simply reach out to help someone. It’s so simple yet has such a profound impact.

In my opinion, when others are not kind, it is typically a reflection on themselves. Just like when we judge another, it is typically a reflection of a judgement we place on ourselves. When we are not kind, we’re often stressed, unhappy, unfulfilled and we reflect our frustration of that onto others.

I was listening to a podcast this morning (Aubrey) and they were talking about potential. More specifically, potential having a finite location: “One day, I’ll reach my potential.” In regard to that, they were saying that they hopes to never reach their potential as that would mean their potential has a finite location opposed to being limitless.

Now I’ll ask you to think of something, anything you’re working on. It may be a goal, fitness, business, even your marriage, honestly anything. Are you frustrated with it? Why are you frustrated with it? Look deep. Is it because you’re holding it to the standard of being perfect? Perfect is unattainable. It’s one thing to strive for perfection, everything could always be better. It’s another thing to judge yourself, and others on perfection.

Not an original thought of mine so thank you Aubrey Marcus. It clicks though. We are our harshest critics and often that can be due to judging ourselves on the standard of being perfect. When we don’t meet perfection (who could?), we reflect that same judgement onto others.

Let’s lose the judgement based on perfection and in doing so, create a less stressful, frustrating and disappointing tomorrow. A better tomorrow. I know that sounds much easier than it is. Start with being conscious of it and making little changes. Little changes add up.

“Some believe that it is only great power that can hold evil in check. But that is not what I’ve found. I found it is the small things. Every day deeds by ordinary folk that keeps the darkness at bay.” ~ Gandalf, J.R.R. Tolkien in Lord of the Rings

How does being kind, and the kindness of others impact you? How does it impact those around you? On a larger scale, how does it impact the world?

                I want to shine a light on a project I am working on. The reason I am shining the light is to help keep me accountable. On that note, please feel free (and I encourage you) to ask me how the project is coming along. I have many ideas and projects that I get into and then lose some of my motivation and my progress slows as the projects pile up. I’m not stalling, I promise!

Without further ado, I am working on a series of children’s books. I have had a character idea that I have been working on for four or five years now; see? My progress slows and projects pile up. I won’t be going into too much detail yet, but more will come in time. Each book will highlight different values, morals, positive lessons, you get the picture. Can you guess what the first book is on? You guessed it! Always being kind.

The first draft is just about complete. It has that kind of, diamond-in-the-rough feel to it. It needs some work, cleaned up here and there, but the potential is brilliant and limitless. I have an accountability call with a friend this Sunday and will have the first draft complete by then.

That brings us to another topic, accountability. How do you keep yourself accountable? What works best for you? Even when I am truly passionate about something, I find that having others engaged has a powerful impact on my accountability. Plus, it’s more fun with others!

That being said, do any of our readers have experience with having a book published? If so, do you have any advice on how to do so? We’re also looking for an illustrator for the project. Are you an illustrator? Do you have anyone in mind? Let’s see if we can work together. As I mentioned before, it’s more fun with others!

We’re also doing freelance writing, consisting of but not limited to: Copyediting, Proofreading, Content Creation, Business Writing, Technical Writing, Ghostwriting and Guest Blogs. If you have a need, or know anyone with a need, please reach out.

Keep Smiling,