Always Always Always Be Kind

Yesterday I was asked the question, “What’s something you learned or experienced in childhood that has informed your life as a mom today?” My answer was the very first thing that came into my head, “To always always always be kind.” It didn’t matter the situation that was how we were raised, to show love and kindness over everything else.

I love that this is how my sisters and I were raised. My parents were always open to us about their hardships or trying times, in life and relationships and reminded us that the best thing to do was to always be kind. After answering the question yesterday I didn’t think much more about it, until I was out with my mom today. We stopped at a Starbucks on our way out of town, she waited with the kids as I went inside and had an experience that lead to a great conversation.

Photography: Julie Christine Photography

The line was long and I was starting to feel a little stressed that I was making my mom wait with all the kids, hoping that none of them was starting to have a meltdown. I ordered my drink and as I waited in line I turned around behind me. The young lady behind me had her hair done up nicely in a bun, but the bun was styled differently then I’d seen before. After looking around for a minute I decided not to be shy, I asked her if she had braided her hair first before putting it up. She explained her technique, we chit chatted a bit more and then grabbed our drinks and wished each other a good day. Leaving the store with a grin on my face, I was so happy that I decided to speak to her, compliment her original style and then wish her well.

As I hopped back in the car I said, “Mom, do you know what my new favorite thing is… Talking to strangers.” (…followed by a joke about how I am getting old and that is something only old people do). I explained how great I felt not being afraid to share a compliment anymore and that I hope that I helped make that person’s day even better.

I wasn’t surprised at all by my mom’s response, after all she raised me to always be kind. She said, “That is one thing that I purposely do everyday, is do something unexpected for a random stranger.” She told me a couple stories of what she had done for others recently. I LOVE THIS! I want to do this, I want my children to see me doing this.

Thank you Mom for teaching kindness, I can’t even imagine how many people’s days you have made that much better. I am going to think about this conversation when I am out and about and remember how easy it is to make someone’s day even better. I can only hope that my children also pick up these tendencies and their initial reaction is to always always always be kind. 

Photography: Julie Christine Photography

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