~We all need to find compassion - that distinctly human quality that guides us in looking for the best in others, finding the best in ourselves & giving something positive & good without expecting some sort of 'return.'~
~=]¤[=~*~=]¤[=~
~ * ~ OPEN YOUR HEART. Don't judge a book by its cover - this classic saying is so true. We close our hearts to so many people because they don't 'look' like they'd fit in with our group at work or crowd of friends at home. U miss out on many opportunities for new friendships by judging people too quickly on appearances ~ * ~
~=]¤[=~*~=]¤[=~
~ * ~ BE THE FIRST. When someone new arrives at your place of work be the first person to go over with a warm smile & a simple hello. We fear making this initial contact for reasons that are in actual fact meaningless, for example that we won't make scintillating conversation or impress this new person. Those things don't matter to the new compassionate u ~ * ~
~=]¤[=~*~=]¤[=~
~ * ~ DON'T TAKE IT PERSONALLY. When someone u encounter doesn't seem particularly friendly or kind, or they seem rushed, then don't automatically assume they don't 'like u' or have little regard for u. U can't know whats just happened in their life. For example, they may've just had a bad experience themselves. Give the the benefit of the doubt. This is particularly true when u come across what u perceive as arrogance. Shy &/ or inhibited people with low self-confidence often appear arrogant ~ * ~
~=]¤[=~*~=]¤[=~
~ * ~ EMBRACE APOLOGISING. One of the hardest things to do is admit u've done something wrong & apologise to another person. Firstly, noone likes to be in the wrong. Secondly, most people don't want to think they've upset someone or hurt them. Combine this with our natural reticence to bring up sensitive conversations & very often we miss the chance to show real compassion with our apology. In this light be ready, willing & able to say sorry ~ * ~
~=]¤[=~*~=]¤[=~
~ * ~ SMALL GESTURES CAN CHANGE THINGS. We often hesitate about making a small gesture of kindness because we don't think it'll make a difference. We forgo the little things like giving up a seat for someone a bit older. It often crosses a person's mind to do such small gestures but then they hurry on with their day & think it won't matter. When u think it, do it - ur small gesture can put a smile on someone's face ~ * ~
~=]¤[=~*~=]¤[=~
~ * ~ RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS. A random act of kindness takes small gestures a bit further. Examples include chatting to that elderly lady in the bank queue, asking a harassed shopkeeper how their days going, offering to pay someone's bus fare who's struggling to get their wallet out of their pocket. Anything that seems kind & random - just go for it! ~ * ~
~=]¤[=~*~=]¤[=~
~ * ~ DON'T BE JUDGE & JURY. Its so easy to catch urself in the midst of negativity judging others around u. For example, having a go at a colleague who always seems disorganised. Why do we do it? Because we forget that we've had moments like that! So rather than be judgmental, find a little compassion ~ * ~
~=]¤[=~*~=]¤[=~
~ * ~ CHARITY BEGINS AT HOME. The love, understanding & compassion we generate in our own home can protect our families from the negativity of the outside world. Obviously children need boundaries & to be respectful, as do partners & other family members. Find the compassion in ur heart when ur partner's had a bad day & u feel hard done by urself. Give them a hug & say something loving. Allow ur children a second chance to show they can behave better when they've overstepped the mark ~ * ~
~=]¤[=~*~=]¤[=~
~ * ~ GIVE UR PRECIOUS TIME. That said, its important to reach out to those more in need than u & give ur time to a charitable organisation or project. Even if once a month u can give some time to a local organisation, or help raise money for a national charity, not only do they benefit, but u benefit by learning about other's needs ~ * ~
~=]¤[=~*~=]¤[=~
~ * ~ FIND UR HAVEN. Listen to ur heart & understand ur own needs. When u need a little time just to relax or escape, find the place thats ur very own haven from the world ~ * ~
~=]¤[=~*~=]¤[=~
