"You must remember this: Have courage and be kind." The Tale of Cinderella

This quote touches me in a way that I cannot explain. My whole life has been spent trying to find my way in the world without compromising my morals, my values, my kindness. Truth be told the world isn't a very conducive place for that. People are jaded, mean and a lot of times it feels like no one is on your side.

I have had some choices to make in my life as I would look at those who angered me, who hurt me or who left me in the eyes. I could do the same to them or I could choose kindness. I don't take this choice lightly and I will explain to you why.

I have been shown a magnitude of kindness in my life, and I will take a leap of faith and say that so have you. I have also been dealt my fair share of negative interactions. You see, we have to train ourselves not to dwell on the negative things. When we chose to reward the bad, the more likely we are to dwell on it. When we chose to reward the good, that is when everything changes.

I am not naive by any means. I have been jaded, I have been let down and very hurt by others. I understand that being kind or choosing to see the good isn't always the easiest choice or the possible choice. I know that we must stand up for ourselves. I know that sometimes we have to be harsh in order to make things happen. I will not try to say that we all need to be perfect, nice human beings all the time. This is what I am saying.

We cannot control what others do or what they put into the world. We are, however, responsible for ourselves. Chose to be kind because you never know if that smile or response is going to impact someone, inspire someone to do something good. Choose only put out what you want to get back. Generate the good, inspire the good. Have the courage it takes to choose kindness.

In this world, we need more good, more love and more kindness. The only way to make that happen is for each of us to choose. Choose kindness.