In a world where you can be anything, Be Kind!!!!

In the twilight of innocence, my daughter's tender self happened to encounter the enigma of unrequited kindness that met with the harsh kiss of indifference. She came home quite low. She felt underappreciated and over-criticized for her sweet nature, unfortunately, becoming a scapegoat, unfairly scrutinized. Knowing how sensitive she can be, I understood how she felt.

But I didn’t know how to comfort her. I often struggle to distinguish what's truly important, and honestly it's even harder to teach my kids.

My question was- Shall I awaken her to the cruel whispers of reality, or let her heart continue its subtle waltz with idealism, of being kind, of being compassionate? Afterall, don’t we all agree that no one ever truly learns to love without first embracing the fragility of disappointment. In this delicate balance, I ponder.  Is it not in the giving, rather than the receiving, that we find the truest expressions?

Frankly, my instincts urge me to teach them the value of empathy, to rush to the aid of those in need, and to soothe the hurt. I'm on a daily mission to drill some compassion into their heads, lest they join the #SelfLoveSquad and forget that other humans exist. Don't get me wrong, self-love is cool and all, but not when it turns into 'Self-Love-And-Forget-Everyone-Else!"

And yet, how do we protect our lil ones from the jagged edges of a world that often refuses to reciprocate? Whether I like it or not I have also learnt that unchecked kindness can invite disrespect. The world can be unforgiving.

 As their mother, I want to empower them with the wisdom to discern when thoughtfulness is valued and when it's exploited. Kindness and friendliness, though essential, has to be be tempered with assertiveness. Boundaries, not barriers are important for the world to know that one’s worth isn't measured by their accommodating nature, but by their self-respect.

Perhaps the answer lies not in shielding her from life's turbulent sea, but in teaching her to navigate its depths with courage, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to her own inner light- to grapple with the delicate balance between kindness and firmness. I will tell her that even today when I'm uncertain, I draw inspiration from my fathers, who consistently give selflessly despite facing criticism and receiving little appreciation. Their unwavering optimism and resilience keeps me believing that grace is the way to life.

As Maya Angelou once said, 'Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.' So, keep doing better my baby in every step of your way and in a world where you can be anything, Be Kind!!!!