"Your perception of me is a reflection of you; my reaction to you is an awareness of myself"

Sometimes the hardest thing to do in life is to hold back on what you want to say/do and walk away. Its unnerving letting someone hurt you, letting someone screw you over, and not retaliating back. Growing up in a cause and effect world, where we are taught to think every action has a consequence/reaction, it's hard for the average person to walk away when they feel like they've been wronged, or someone they love. The basis of many problems is someone feels wrong, retaliates, and the cycle continues. No matter what side your on, each side is going to feel right in it's doing. Whether the motives be for selfish gain, or for mere defense, most cases everyone feels as if they are reacting appropriately for the situation.

What I'm here to tell you is to open your mind to a different possibility, the possibility of not doing anything. Of just picking up, and letting go. In this world, we are only accountable for our own actions. We can't predict what will happen to us, though sometimes it feels like we can see it coming. And we certainly can not stop things from happening to us, because we simply can not control anyone else. The only person you can control, is yourself. And the only actions you can dictate, are your own.

And for that reason, I tell you all to be kind. And not just when it's easy, I mean strive to be kind to EVERYONE. I repeat, strive to be kind to everybody. Be kind to those who others are not, be kind to those who aren't kind to you. Be kind to the people who do good things, and be kind to the people who do bad things. Be kind to every soul you encounter, make every experience meaningful, full of joy. Even if its only coming from your side. You are only accountable for your own actions, so while others are doing things you may not agree with, you can only control how you respond.

Respond to people with patience, with love. Respond to them as if they were your equal, because they are. Respond to them without judgement, because they are just walking their own path just like yourself. Respond being the bigger person if the situation calls for it. Swallow the part of you that tells you to fight, swallow down the unkind words. Hold the part of you back that wants to be angry. That wants revenge. Silence the anger in your mind, and push forward the positivity. If you want this world to be a better place, it first has to start with yourself. You are the creator of your own universe, as well as a co-creator in this world we all live on. Your actions affect others daily, and your words could move mountains. Your kindness, your patience, your lack of judgement; it could all change someones life in a positive way. If someone is yelling at you, and you refuse to get angry, you have helped them. Yes, they may feel like they have "won" but there is no winning. There is no loosing. This is not a game. This is not a competition. I promise you, all the times someone has not reacted while I overreacted has stuck with me more than any other fights. You will change someones life, whether it be right then or years down the road. By being negative, you only fuel the negativity in the planet. For our sake, for your sake, put something good into this world. Put out all the positive you can, no matter how many people say you can't. No matter how many people try to discourage you, no matter how many people continue to hurt you. Understand that they are just trying to figure themselves out, just like you are. Wish them best. Send them love. And move on with your journey.

We all have the capacity to be heroes, all it takes is compassion. All it takes is kindness. So, I beg you, be kind. Give love. Put out good energy. Give yourself good karma. Give the people around you a reason to be kind, a reason to not judge. Be the change you want to see. And CHANGE THIS WORLD.