Just Be Nice

If you can’t love everyone, at least don’t hurt them.

-The Dalai Lama

 

I am often aware of the struggles going on in other people’s personal lives.  Occasionally the struggles are within my own life.  Sometimes our struggles are just the challenges of daily life.  Other times they are significant and may even be life and death scenarios.  I think we often forget about the troubles of other people.  We rub shoulders day after day.  Many times we are judgmental towards those around us.  We may walk around like we are the only people in the world with a problem or a difficult life.  Today I would like to remind everyone that all of us have crosses to bear.  All of us have challenges, disappointments, losses, and broken hearts.  What’s the point of saying this?  Well, the point is to remind everyone to cut everyone else some slack.  Be patient and understanding with one another.  Most of us are doing the best we can.  Be kind.  Be compassionate.  Be forgiving.  Tolerate one another’s weaknesses.  Yes, I know I am ripping off some of this from St. Paul.  Do whatever you can to make another person’s life a little easier.  God knows the world doesn’t give most people a break.  Remove the stones from one another’s paths and definitely don’t add more.  Lighten up, chill out, and put things into proper perspective.  Get over your ego.  Don’t get hung up in the BS of life.  Focus on what is truly important.  What is important?  I don’t want to sound like a Hallmark card but after 63+ years of living I think it boils down to love and caring for those in your life.  This doesn’t just mean family or friends.  It means the people you work with too.  I have never regretted caring too much.  However, let me add one caveat.  I don’t mean allowing other people use you as a doormat.  Sometimes caring can mean practicing tough love.  Most parents have this experience sooner or later.  I’m talking about the kind of caring that anyone can practice with anyone else whether you know them or not.  Life is tough and is often a struggle.  Do good whenever you can.  Be kind.  Treat other people the way you want to be treated.  Over tip the tired waitress at the Waffle House.  If you’re strong be grateful and help the weak.  If you’re weak, do the best you can.  If you’re gifted be grateful and help those less gifted.  If you’re not gifted, do the best you can.  Whoever you are, just be nice…and real.