View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Liza Rusalskaya Illustrator (@lizarusalskaya) 

{*Did you know you can write on Elephant? Here’s how—big changes: How to Write & Make Money or at least Be of Benefit on Elephant. ~ Waylon}

The world has become less kind.

We have become less kind; it’s just not that simple.

All religions teach kindness because without it, life would be filled with anger and loneliness. But sometimes it’s hard to be considerate and loving when there’s so much going on within—and around—us.

Maybe we think we should be kind to ourselves in order to be kind to others. Maybe we think we don’t deserve kindness. Maybe we are busy juggling too many things in life that kindness takes a back seat. Whatever it is, there are many possible reasons to let apathy settle into our actions and reactions.

Yesterday, I was looking at our family photo album with my son. I zoned out for a moment while my son pointed at a photo of him with my parents, his father, and our three dogs. I saw myself in the future looking back at that moment in the photo.

The first thing that came to mind was that that day I wasn’t kind enough. I could have done better. I could have been more understanding, more loving. I could have been…more me.

A sudden, deep feeling of guilt washed over me. My future self wanted a second chance, but she couldn’t have it; it was too late. As I came back to my present moment and gave my son a kiss on the forehead, I knew I needed to do more mental travel.

When I use the image of the future, I understand that our time here on Earth is short.

The present moment is my only chance to be a little kinder today.

When the people we love no longer exist and when the past becomes unchangeable and messy, we might look back and wish things were different. Overcoming guilt from the past is hard; letting go of regret is even harder. Regret is just an icky feeling.

So if you want to be kind even when you don’t feel like it, reflect on the future. Ask yourself if your future self would like the present you. Notice when you’re about to react negatively and remember that right now is your only chance to act with kindness.

Instead of reacting in the heat of the moment, pause and breathe. Think about your words and actions carefully. Are they positive? Are they helpful? Are they genuine?

Last but not least, remember to be kind to yourself.

~