Monday, 01 October 2012
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On Being 'Too Nice'
My mother is an outstanding example of how a person should treat others - with respect, care, & love. My old neighbors rave about her (for real), my friends rave about her, and for heaven's sake - she was even put in the newspaper for being the best waitress at Denny's back in the day. Unfortunately - as goes for most kind-hearted people - she often gets taken advantage of and hurt by others. Yet her kindness and love for others continues to shine through and she is my guiding light and example.
I often think about the work I plan to do in the future, the people I surround myself with, and the individuals who - in the past - have taken advantage of me more than once because my kindness got in the way of seeing through their lies and manipulative games. These thoughts lead me to once again question if kindness is all it is cracked up to be. If kindness only leaves people with a slap in the face and a broken heart. Is kindness merely naivety or the greatest quality a person can have?
As I continue on in this journey called life, I can only lead with faith that I will not become another jaded individual who merely views kindness as a weakness. While the road gets tough and some people will inevitably hurt me, I genuinely believe that my kindness is a strength which will continue to lead me on a greater path. At some point, we all get hurt, but a part of life is being able to see the beauty in being vulnerable. This vulnerability, while scary, can lead us to some of the most beautiful relationships and adventures life has to offer us. And if we get hurt, we get hurt. We pick ourselves back up, we live, we learn, and we continue on. As a wise man once told me, "You might be striking out now, but no doubt you'll get that home run soon, Lena."
Optimism is a gift? -___* I'll just keep leading by my beautiful mamacita's example.
Now, back to being productive! Gah, I've been so MIA on here.
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Comments (13)
Just stay true to who you are, Lena.
Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle - PLato
@BenelliMan - x2
That was beautiful! Your mom sounds wonderful.
In being kind to those who will abuse your kindness, you are reminding them of their thoughtlessness and ingratitude. "for you will heap burning coals on his head, and the LORD will reward you.
Sometimes those reminders will help bring that person to God.
Simply be the best person you can be and the rest will eventually fall into place...
You can never be too nice! Others simply are not appreciative/ take advantage of it, but that is not fault of yours by any measure. Stay beautiful :).
Always choose kind. It is better to be taken advantage of than take advantage of. I commend you on your journey to always do the right thing. Nice to see you back!
Such a beautiful entry! You speak the truth concerning this matter, and you do it so well! Being nice can lead to being taken advantage of, but you can always sleep well at night, knowing you did your best, to do what is right. All may not appreciate your efforts, but some most certainly will. Excellent entry!!
My kindness has been taken advantage of many times in my life. I often ask myself "Why are you such a nice girl?" Although it isn't appreciated by some, I feel I think as your mom does. I'm sure I'm not as wonderful as her, but I try :)
@jennylovve - you seem pretty wonderful to me! And I know that PinkGlitter02 talks very fondly of you :)
Kudos to your mom :) Yeah its hard to be kind sometimes, and sometimes rude people need a good wake up call. However it is best to be kind and firm, at times.
Yeah my mum's a bit like this too...though she has hardened up in the last 5 years. I feel exactly the same as you except I deal with it differently. I am getting more and more bitter...and it's a sad thing. Not because I will ever let things stop me doing the right thing but I fear what it will do to me. I have never been able to stand again in some area's of my life. Stick to your guns is a good motto. Thanks for the small warmth you brought to me.