I thought I was at the end of my “kindness rope” earlier today. Then, a postcard arrived that helped me hold on a bit tighter.
PeggyO sent the card below for a Literary Wisdom Postcard swap, a series I host for the “All Things Book-Related” group on swap-bot.
Purple Crocuses and Kindness
Let’s take a moment to squeal because…well…purple crocus flowers! [Thanks, Christine]
The quote does not directly relate to my situation, but it reminded me to continue being who I am. A kind person. Even when I’ve had enough. Even when I am saying “no.”
What do you do when your kindness is taken for granted? When you have been overly kind, generous, gracious, but it’s not enough? When those on the receiving end are less than kind and seem insatiable, wanting more and more and more of your kindness?
I hope you choose kindness.
Note: The quote, though ascribed to Mark Twain, did not originate with him. Find out more here: Quote Investigator.
Pics and Posts 
Oh, this hit close to home. A few weeks ago, I told the kids that I had used up my kindness quota for the week. It is hard when you feel so drained, when you feel like you’ve put yourself last and no one has put you first. I guess I take a few hours to myself to reset.
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Yes. Reset. That’s the best way to go. I often find these things happen when I can’t escape to reset, but I’m learning how to master the reset without the escape. I takes a lot of practice and meditation.
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To be kind when saying no is something I must cultivate. I either keep giving until I’m all used up, or I say no very firmly and shut myself off.
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At least you recognize that your kindness still needs work. Keep working at it…it will become easier and easier and then it will be natural for you to “be kind even when saying no.”
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I love the idea of a literary postcard swap! Sounds like yours arrived just at the right time!
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Yes! Literary postcards are the best! Thanks for dropping by!
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If someone at the receiving end of my kindness takes it for granted, I would definitely be upset and probably will remove myself way from the scene. From experience, I can say that such negativities won’t affect my kindness quotient towards others. I am becoming more cautious in extending my helping arm though. You received the card at the right moment. That’s amazing! 🙂
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Thanks for dropping by and for shairng your experience. It’s a difficult balancing act, but I think we can practice kindness and avoid being taken advantage of…
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