They
say, “be kind to everyone, because everyone is fighting battles we cannot
see”. And the more I live, the more I realize how true that is. On the surface,
people may look fine, laughing, working, strong. But behind closed
doors, many are carrying burdens that feel too heavy to put into words. The
person who always looks put together might be silently struggling with
financial worries that keep them awake at night. The one who always makes others
laugh could be fighting a deep sadness they don’t know how to explain. And sometimes,
the brightest smiles are worn by the ones who are hurting the most.
We
are all wearing masks. Some of us wear them so well that no one notices the
cracks beneath. But every now and then, with a little understanding, with a
little patience, with a heart willing to listen, those masks can come
off. And in that small moment of honesty, healing begins. I’ve come to believe
that kindness is more important than wisdom. Because wisdom without kindness
can feel cold, but kindness even without answers can change everything. Maybe
that is the true beginning of wisdom; to recognize that everyone is human,
everyone is hurting in some way, and the gentlest thing we can offer is
compassion.
So
today, and every day, may we choose kindness. Not because it solves all
problems, but because it reminds someone they don’t have to carry their battles
alone.