It’s Okay to Not Be Okay
Allow yourself time and space to not be okay.
Practicing compassion allows you to see the whole world and ourselves in a different light. I believe, now more than ever, we need compassion and kindness, not only for our fellow humans, but especially for ourselves. A compassion practice is incomplete if it only focuses outward. It must also focus inward.
Practicing compassion and discovering the power of kindness changed my life. I was able to forgive, forget and move on from so many perceived hurts.
I learned the hard way that what may seem like the path of least resistance - irritation at people for their poor driving skills, their rudeness or unpleasantness - never changed the behavior of the offending party of course. Becoming angry and annoyed in those situations only made me feel worse.
So instead of irritation, allow yourself a moment of compassion. The offending person may be experiencing a challenging situation. A loss of a job, a pet, a loved one or something even more challenging. Find compassion for this fellow traveler, offer a smile, a kind word, let them go in front of you in traffic or in line. They may not wave or nod in appreciation but let that go too. I know, that's hard too.
Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle. Plato
Our compassion practice must begin with ourselves. So as you make your way down this list, find compassion and empathy for yourself and ALL of the struggles you are experiencing in this moment - no matter how seemingly insignificant.
When we recognize we're all doing the best we can and we are in this together and connected to each other - despite our differences - compassion is the only choice. And once we find compassion, kindness is inevitable.