Plant kindness. What grows from being kind to others is beautiful and nourishing.
Kind or Critical?
In case you were wondering, criticism is not kind. Criticism is like a poisonous weed.
I’m imagining criticism – that deliberate judgment of others – is like hogweed. Hogweed’s sap burns and scars.
If you try and mow or weed-whack a hogweed plant, it’ll just send up new growth. Isn’t that exactly like being judgmental? Start criticizing one action or aspect of a person’s character, and you’ll quickly find other points to criticize… And hogweed might appear to be Queen Anne’s Lace or Angelica, just like criticism can be disguised as helpful advice, but it’s not. Get involved in criticism and it’ll burn. And scar. You.
Plant a Garden of Kindness
Now, imagine a garden filled with beautiful flowers, fruit, and vegetables. It’s nourishing for the soul and body.
That’s just like kindness – when we watch others be kind, isn’t it a joy to behold? When we, ourselves, are beneficiaries of a kindness, isn’t it nourishing to every part of our life? And, when we are the authors of an act of kindness, isn’t it something we rejoice over with the other person?
Make this a day to sow seeds of kindness.
(Toss those critical thoughts/words on the burn pile!)
If you need some ideas on how to be kind read this – 25 Ideas – How to be kind for no reason.
How will you be kind today?
Come on back tomorrow for more benefits that flow from positivity!
Click to read more on all these benefits!
Your comparison to hogweed is spot on. We need to plant kindness everyday, amazing what just one tiny act can do to improve the world.
So true, Alana — one small act of kindness will impact the world around us ways we can’t fathom. It just takes a little time, and effort. Thanks for stopping in!
Ooh! I like this kindness theme you’re going with – can’t wait to read more! I like to spread kindness by taking a moment to hold a door open for someone, letting someone who has less items they’re buying go ahead of me when I have a buggy for, cooking a meal for a family who has lost a loved one, talking to a stranger at the doctor’s office, smiling and asking a cashier how their day is – the ways to be kind are endless. The best part – they’re really easy to do! Being critical takes a lot more effort than most people realize. At the end of the day, if I’ve been kind, I rest easier; however, if I’ve been overly-critical, I toss and turn. Definitely something to pay attention to!
Great ideas, Shelly! I especially like the idea of chatting with the cashier – too often it’s a thankless job. 🙂 Thank you for reading and commenting.
Love this, Lori, especially your list of benefits. It harmonizes beautifully with my scriptural theme for the week on Generosity. When we practice kindness it becomes easier to be generous with time, energy, and resources. While there can be positive criticism or counsel, it must be sandwiched between kindness and love.
Look forward to reading more.
So true, Yvonne – I’ve never thought about that if we practice kindness it becomes easier to be generous! And the term “counsel” resonates with me.
small gestures of kindness are what we need in our society.
For sure, Richa – imagine what a day would be like if everyone gave out kindness as easily as they do criticism… 🙂 We’d all be encouraged when beginning the next day!
This is just so true.Planting a garden of kindness.Need to try harder.
Every day is a new day – I think we all need the energy to continue to try!
Thanks for the reminders. Given the political climate, it’s a little difficult to remember that there is a need to just sit back and say- ahh- and share that calmness with others.
It’s definitely a challenge to focus on being calm – thank you for dropping in, Roy!
Thanks for your post. I feel as if I’ve been on a rampage of criticism. I will have to stop it and scatters some kindness.
A kindness is always a good investment! 😉
What a great comparison!! I always try to be kind and even if something isn’t my views, I always find something positive to say to the person.
Finding something positive to say, regardless, is an art form! Thanks for commenting, Martha.
Hi Lori, great post. People give out criticism like candy but cannot and will not accept any in return. But, I have found that killing with kindness is the best way to combat criticism.
Oh, yes. Eventually, people realize that you’re not going to engage with their critical attitude and move on! Thank you for stopping in!