In the end, only kindness matters

I've been having an interesting email exchange with a friend of mine tonight, and it's gotten me to thinking:

When did being kind become the exception, not the rule?

I like to think of myself as a generally kind person, though I'm sure there are those who would beg to differ. I cannot, however, be deliberately mean or unkind to others just for the heck of it. I don't understand those who can.

The negative energy that is wasted when we focus on pettiness, shrewdness, talking behind the backs of others, and so on, is palpable in today's world. There is enough unpleasantness in this world without us having to make an effort to contribute to it.

Instead of always dwelling on the negative or spinning situations to extract the worst, why not act with kindness? Take the higher road. Be the bigger person.

Call to check on your friends. Send angel kisses via texts. Send a quick email just to say hello. You never know what demons other people are facing. In their life, you may be the only positive encounter they have that day.

You have a choice.

Choose kindness.