I was thinking yesterday about what inspires me. I do not think we can live without inspiration, from some source, however small. Kindness is a huge inspiration.
We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.
~Winston Churchill
I had to take Michael after school yesterday for his sports physical, and we went to a walk-in clinic about 15 minutes from the house, in Decatur. It was recommended by our regular pediatrician. I was impressed by how nicely the place was decorated and how professional and friendly everyone was. They also were not expensive.
The doctor who examined Michael, Dr. David Goo, took the time to chat with us, and was super nice and friendly. He has other patients from Kazakhstan, which was really interesting. He even knows something of the history of the country. It's rare to meet a doctor who is so approachable. Michael even asked if we could switch to him as the primary physician. We may do that. I am thinking it over.
I had such an awful experience with the orthopodist I saw at Emory a few weeks ago, that it was a relief to encounter a doctor who is kind. Dr. Goo was trained at Emory but he clearly is a person who has better manners than many of those folks.
I have been pondering manners a lot lately. When I encounter someone who has a strong disregard for manners, it startles me. Maybe that's just because as a born southerner I've had the importance of manners drilled into me. However, lots of non-southerners have nice manners. It's not a regional thing, although I imagine generally people who have been in the south for generations tend to have more regard for the importance of manners.
As my mother always says, good manners are really just kindness.
I may be wrong, but don't all religions and most philosophies teach that basic tenet, the importance of kindness?
Having spent a lot of time recently with someone who is only kind as a means to an end, I have become rather sensitive about it.
I know people who read my blog probably wonder sometimes about our concern for our "baby," Miss Coco. She is a lot of trouble. She is medically fragile due to her Ehlers Danlos syndrome. She erps and messes up the floors daily. She hides Milk Bones all over the house, and I've stepped on them numerous times. I laughlingly say, often, that she is 8 lbs. of Trouble.
Coco, however, embodies kindness. Countless times, Michael has gone into Mother's room to lie on her bed and play with Coco, or just rub her belly, when he was troubled. She is always available for that, or for a cuddle. She is always ready to play kiss kiss. She brings great joy to my mom, and provides a measure of protectiveness to us, since she barks at anyone or anything lurking around our house.
We should all try to be more like Coco. Wag more. Be ready to play at any time. Practice kindness at all times, even when you don't feel well...
Try this today: smile at everyone you encounter, however casually. When chatting with someone, consciously try to listen more and comment less. Pick up the phone and talk to a friend you haven't heard from in a while. Pray for folks who you think need it.Be kind to yourself - banish all negative thoughts.
Send out kindness in the world, and expect nothing in return. Blessings will come your way, regardless. I know this for a fact.
