"You're too nice." I've heard this about a million times from a million different people - good friends and total strangers. I understand the idea of being 'too' nice, like letting people walk all over you, but that's rarely how people use this remark towards me. In fact, a great deal of people don't understand how I'm as nice and friendly as I am. To be quite frank, I don't understand how it's that difficult to comprehend - and I don't get why everyone can't be a little bit more kind.
I smile at strangers. I have a peppy attitude even when I'm extremely tired. I don't mind helping people with things because I think it's a good thing to do. I like to make people smile. I like to say positive things. I like to make work fun. I like to make the most of every situation. Apparently, all of these things make me exceptionally nice? To me, it doesn't make much sense; this is just how I am. I'm not sure if I was born to be this way or if it's just an attitude that I adopted over the years. Nevertheless, it feels innate at this point - I generally opt for the nice response to someone or the 'yes' instead of 'no' when someone asks for help. I don't have to try.
Now, I'm not saying that I'm the nicest person in the world, nor am I saying that I'm a saint. In fact, I probably think I'm far less kind that most other people would say. Why? Because I feel like I'm not doing anything special. I don't think I'm going out of my way to have a positive attitude, and I like the way people respond when I'm being my peppy, friendly self. I'm not perfect...far from it. I have my flaws as does everyone else in the world.
But honestly, life is about enjoying yourself, being happy, and making the most of this amazing experience we've all been given. If I can make someone else's time on earth a little bit happier, I'm definitely going to do so. The question I ask is this: why would you want to do anything but ? Sure, there are days when I am down in the dumps. There are times when I think everyone is out to get me. Some weeks, I feel like crap and want to curse at everyone (yes, even me). But do I? Nope! Why? What's the point? It doesn't make me feel any better when I am rude or mean to people, and it certainly doesn't make them feel any better. If you spread anger or cruelty, everyone ends up worse off. If you spread happiness or kindness? Everyone's that much better :]
So I guess the point of this post is to encourage everyone out there to think a little bit happier and act a little bit more thoughtfully. When you exude this kind of positivity, life seems that much sweeter. Kindness is simple, especially when you're used to spreading it.
Smile at a stranger today,
Liz :]
