Always Be Kinder Than Necessary

Just be kind.

Was that a kind choice?

Make kind choices!!!

Did you do something kind for someone today?

I feel like I’m on repeat right now, but KIND seems to be the word of the day in the Serbinski house. And for some reason this quote, “be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle,” has been top of mind. The biggest lesson I’ve learned in recovery is that you NEVER know what someone is going through. Not only what goes on behind closed doors, but what goes on in their mind. The mind is a dangerous place for me some days, but I notice that when I’m kind to myself, I’m kinder to those around me. And that seems to make the day a little better.

Now the big task is how I’m relaying this kindness message to my children. I find it ironic that I’m often YELLING phrases about kindness and kind choices, because yelling certainly isn’t a kind behavior. But some days, that’s my best. Yelling. Kindness.

A lot of times my yelling happens and then I send the kids right outside to play together. And then THIS scene reminds me they are ultimately kind to one another and love prevails in their little attitudes, despite what the moment or situation before had me believing.

Other days I can be calm and patient and collected. And while I wish my attitude as a parent were constantly those two things, I know it won’t be. But I also know that when I practice kindness to others and myself, the number of good days far outweigh the bad. THAT’S what I want my kids to know. That when we lead with love and kindness for others, the good usually wins. Or at least we notice more good in the world and in ourselves than not.

I’ve been pretty quiet on here lately and for no reason other than to be more present for my children. I’m working lunch lady hours almost every day, picking them up from school, doing homework in the afternoon, and you guessed it, cooking some cheese quesadillas like nobody’s business. I’m still working with my beef family, too, but that means my Mom to Mom family gets the backseat. Which is why I love you guys SO much, you get it. You get me. And I know you’ll always be here for that KIND reminder, high-five, and hug.