How do we stay kind in the hustle and bustle of December?
Being kind this time of year can be challenging. Everyone is in a hurry and are not always enjoying running from place to place. As an added bonus, we all spend more time with our family in large gatherings. What could go wrong? (absolutely nothing, right?)
If we are being really honest, being kind all of the time is challenging anyway. It’s possibly my rose colored glasses, but I don’t think that people intend to be unkind. The words come out wrong, you really didn’t see the person that was trying to turn, or you forget to do something for someone.
We fill up our lives with so many things that keep us “busy” and give ourselves little grace because it all “has to” get done. Does it? That spills over to our words and deeds. I am much more kind in word and deed when I feel calm and not stressed. I have to take a step back and realize that just because there are things to do, and I can’t get to them today, it’s ok and frustration is not necessary.
What about all the parties and family gatherings? Well, first of all, when someone invites you to a celebration, you are valued and loved. Many people are alone at this time of year and I am grateful that I am not. Does that make it easier? No. At family gatherings I often see that we fall into patterns that we have had since we were kids. It happens. Others frustrate us. That happens too- you can love people and not like them at different moments.
I get to choose how I act and react. I can’t control that in others, but it is possible to be kind in a difficult situation, no matter if the person is friend, family, or not. The trick is to make sure you keep your peace. How do you do that when people are making you crazy? See if you can step back before you react to the chaos or even the unkindness being directed at you. Those few moments/minutes will make the difference in your day, and perhaps to all the people around you.
