You cannot do kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Lisa Pickering

I haven’t written in a while but today, on the drive home from the grocery store and after witnessing a few incidents this week, I decided I needed to get the thoughts out of my head and write.

The past 15 months have been difficult. Each person is experiencing the pandemic differently, but I would suggest that each person is finding it difficult in some, or more likely, many ways. What I am finding very disheartening is the divide that has been created. It seems to have become the norm to shame others when their opinion is different than our own. Without taking into consideration their reasoning, it has become black and white – right and wrong. We have no idea what others are going through, what their past experiences are and why they are making the decisions that they are. 

I don’t understand why she is so excited about getting the vaccine when I know it’s a terrible idea

I don’t know why he won’t get the vaccine when everything I have read says you should do it

We are all in this mess because you won’t wear a mask (yelling with finger pointed)

They must not know there is a stay-at-home order in place (condescending voice)

And here’s the thing, we don’t need to know why people are making the decisions that they are, in fact, that is their business and not ours. Can we try to give people the benefit of the doubt that they are making the best decision for themselves, their life, their family?

Everyone reading this would tell you without hesitation that bullying is bad and needs to be stopped.  But guess what, that is exactly what’s happening right now, every day, by nice people. I honestly don’t believe that the bullying and shaming is intentional. I don’t think people know how much they are hurting others when they do it. When you tell people that they need to get the vaccine, or not get the vaccine, or they need to stay home or they need to wear a mask without knowing anything about the person’s reasoning, you are bullying them.  I know that there is so much uncertainty and fear right now and we have been through so much, but this does not give anyone permission to shame. 

I am not writing this to start a debate, quite the opposite, I am writing to see if we can all look at ourselves and see if we are capable of being a little kinder to one another. This is happening on both “sides”. What your opinion is does not matter. How you treat people does. If instead of judging, we can stop and think – I don’t know what they are going through and I can only assume that they are making the best decision for their life – we will make a difference. Mental health issues are skyrocketing. Being treated unkindly by others is adding to this significantly.

PLEASE BE KIND

21 thoughts on “You cannot do kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late – Ralph Waldo Emerson”

  1. Lisa, thank you for sharing this. I couldn’t agree more. In a time where we need more love, healing and understanding, we are facing constant judgment and fear-driven shaming. It is so sad to see the divide in our society because of difference of beliefs/opinions. Whatever happened to people respectfully agreeing to disagree? Praying for our country. Sending you lots of love and hugs sister!

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  5. Well said Lisa! I was so happy to see you had posted again! Your writing makes a difference and is important xo Very thankful for you.

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  7. Good observation. Spot on! Also good advice. Thanks. I hope your message reaches far and wide since we need to come together now more than ever. Thanks for thinking of us. Humankind needs to be more human and more kind.

    Scott

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  9. “In a world where everyone wears a mask ( in the literal sense ), it’s a privilege to see a soul!”
    Thank you, Lisa for your words of wisdom and reminding us, that if there was ever a time for kindness and compassion for our fellow citizens, it’s now.
    I miss your blogs & writings because they are always uplifting & heartfelt.
    You make a difference! xo

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  10. So nice to hear from you again! You always have a special way of sharing what needs to be said or heard at the right time. Your words are thought-provoking. Even the kindest souls need to self-reflect and make the effort to look at situations, behaviours, and actions with a more accepting lens – or at least take the time to remember that there is always more than one passionate opinion and perspective. We can never control how someone else feels or acts; we can only control our response and reaction and how we deal with it. Thanks, Lisa

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  11. Such a great post!! Always happy to see your blogs!!
    You are always so spot on & inspiring!!
    Thanks Lisa 💝

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  12. Another wonderful post Lisa. So true we all need to think first before judging others. We all have our opinions but should know when to keep them to ourselves. Being kind should be our first thought.
    Other

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