Through a Lens Kindly — Week 3

Myopia creeps up on you until one day, you realize you’re squinting at the blackboard just to read the assignment. But because squinting solves your problem, you don’t even think to say anything about it to your parents. They usually have to notice you squinting at something else unless an observant teacher alerts them first.

And you end up with glasses. They make your eyesight great again, but now you have to remember to wear them. You have to make a new habit. I’ve done it. It was hard at first, but the improvement those glasses made to the quality of my life was so great, it wasn’t long before putting them on was a no-brainer.

Living kindly is like that. You have to see the world through a kindness lens, but that doesn’t mean you have to see the world through Rose Colored Glasses.

Glasses 5
Ooo! But isn’t the world a pretty place this way?

No, but you do have to filter your judgment through courtesy, compassion, and consideration. All three filters combine in the Universal Golden Rule. To help you remember to use them, it reflects an image of you, seen through other people’s filters.

The Golden Rule isn’t just for rosy occasions. In fact, it’s most important when reality’s thorns are most prickly and the world’s colors most harsh. If you can treat people who irritate you, annoy you, or get your dander up with courtesy, compassion, and consideration, you’ll be seeing through a kindness lens. They might still irritate, annoy, or scratch at your last nerve, but you’ll see them as human beings who deserve the same treatment you do when you irritate, annoy, or test someone’s temper.

“Moi?” You and Miss Piggy.
“Oui.” The rest of the world and Kermit.

And you will be able to treat them kindly.

So make it a habit to wear your Golden Rule Glasses with the kindness lenses. The world might not always be pretty, but what you bring to it will be beautiful. And that reflects well on you.

Glasses 4

Week 3 of the Kindness Challenge. #RevOfKindness

 

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Author: Sue Ranscht

Having survived valve repair surgery and an experimental cardiac bypass at age 5, three years before it was an accepted medical procedure, Susan grew into the size of her overworked and enlarged heart. Maybe she thought she had enough to give it away -- twice. Both times, she had to retrieve the shattered pieces and puzzle them back together. She thanks her Dad for the only advice of his she ever followed to the letter: "Never get married. Learn to take care of yourself." So of course she is a writer. Susan has co-written a YA SciFi novel, and has three more novels in various stages of evolution. She's had several short stories published in other people's anthologies, some of which were contest-related. Let her tell you a story...

13 thoughts on “Through a Lens Kindly — Week 3”

  1. I love it!!! You expressed this perfectly! Yes it can be different, can feel funny, and have an adjustment period both for you and for those around you. I remember getting my glasses for the first time- headaches, pushing them up on my nose, not remembering to wear them. I also remember people doing double takes when they saw me and it taking a while for them to get used to seeing me with glasses on. The same can be said for incorporating kindness into your lifestyle… excellent post! Thanks for participating Sue!

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  2. As usual, your post resonates with me. I remember getting my glasses when I was thirteen. I was amazed to see so many stars in the sky! Being kind is always a good idea! 😊💕

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    1. Thank you kindly, Tre! I am thrilled you feel that way, and very happy to see you, but aren’t you supposed to be taking some much needed time off? I didn’t mean to interrupt your escape. 🙂 Off you go! ❤

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