During my walk in the world, I can always be kind. Kindness is my truest nature. I have a heavy heart at times seeing our world so far from this, lacking in toleration and kindness. I believe this is the result of us being unkind to ourselves. I’m learning that if I am not kind to myself, I don’t have the bandwidth to be kind to others. I’ve lived in the illusion that I could do this for much of my life. But as I’m walking in the clumsiness of vulnerable living, I’m seeing how I have discounted, invalidated, and sacrificed myself (not in a healthy way) as a means of survival. I see how these skills have made me a success in the world all the while losing my authentic self. As I become immersed in being kind to myself, honoring the gift of my body, paying attention to what I need in the moment and feeding my soul, I learn devotion, love and kindness.
A fruit of the Spirit is kindness where being kind to and tolerant toward others comes from a deep-rooted love. The kind of love I show my child, unconditionally, and eternally. It is a heart of compassion and giving to others beyond what I owe them. True kindness is aligned closely with forgiveness. When I love God and see myself through his perspective, I see how unkind I’ve been to myself. Pride and ego love to take center stage. Through the words and actions of Jesus Christ, I see kindness, one that leads me to deeper meaning and purpose.
Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each another, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Ephesians 4:31-32
Lord, thank you for teaching me to forgive myself for being unkind to me.
Smitten With Goodness 
Good post. I think I need to read this one about three times a day to keep it front of mind.
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