Because You’re Not Perfect Either
Some days, I forget.
I expect more from myself than I can give.
And more of others, too.
I get grumpy when things go wrong.
As if perfection is ever attainable.
Then I remember:
I’m not perfect.
Neither is my partner.
Nor my friend.
My boss.
My child.
My parent.
My neighbor.
My coworker.
But I am human.
And so are they.
That gives me room to laugh.
And play.
Apologize,
Pivot.
Heal.
Forgive.
Mess up.
Live.
Love.
We’re all carrying invisible loads:
A worry that vibrates inside our bones,
A regret for conversations past,
A hope we’re barely clinging to.
So be kind to fellow humans.
To your coworker.
Your neighbor.
Your parent.
Your child.
Your boss.
Your friend.
Your partner.
And most of all, be kind to yourself.
You deserve it.
Tomorrow, we may forget again.
We may get frustrated, impatient, tired.
That’s okay.
Just begin again.
Start another ripple of kindness.
Because kindness is always possible.
It’s always within reach.
Even for the imperfect.
How often are you intentionally kind to yourself?
Share your thoughts in the comments.
- Double the Insight: Why It Works to Read Fiction and Nonfiction Together
- Use Nonfiction to See Through Someone Else’s Eyes
Great post and words in this poem, Lisa! Thanks!
How little effort it takes to decide to be kind to others when it’s something we practice. Beautiful poem, Lisa!
I love this, Lisa.
“We may get frustrated, impatient, tired.
That’s okay.
Just begin again.
Start another ripple of kindness.”
Thank you for the encouragement to keep starting another ripple of kindness.
Love, hugs, and blessings to you!
This is such an important concept and one that I keep losing track of. Just as I can’t make all the changes I want and need to make in my own character, neither can the person who is driving me crazy…
Kindness=grace–a commodity in short supply these days. Praise God for those who haven’t forgotten how to be civil and thoughtful, even friendly to those around them. My husband helps me be kind to myself. He’ll say things like, “Sit down and relax a bit. That can wait until tomorrow.” Or, better yet, “I’ll get that for you tomorrow!” Grace goes a long way to create an atmosphere of shalom.
I’m really trying, but it’s not always easy to be kind to others without forgetting to be kind to yourself while dealing with something you really struggle with.
So I feel sometimes it can be kind to be neutral and most importantly NOT UNkind.
I heard once the great question – what is the kindest thing you can do for yourself right now? being kind to your own soul and to others is always the right next step and answer, isn’t it? Love the poem. “Human” could be a good word of the year….
I live this Lisa! This is a fantastic reminder poem for us.
Visiting today from WTJRB
Always! Great reminder. Thanks for sharing.
Rena
https://finewhateverblog.com
Hi Lisa, Congratulations, your post will be featured at SSPS 388, see you Monday. Thanks for sharing.
I am so very hard on myself.
Your poem reminds me that kindness is contagious, and I need to be generous in spreading it to myself and others.
Love the poem Lisa!
A good question, I have learnt to be kind to myself since being diagnosed with Chronic conditions but I’m still in that learning curve for I don’t always get it right!
Blessings, Jennifer
Since I stopped by for a second time today, I wanted to add:
“pobody’s nerfcet” 🙂
Sometimes I’m my own worst enemy. So beautifully spoken Lisa.
Thanks so much for sharing this with Sweet Tea & Friends this month dear friend.