I grew up with a mother who was constantly hurt by those who claimed they loved her.
As the eldest, I was regularly taught life lessons to keep me safe.
"If someone hits you, you hit back twice as hard and twice as fast so they learn not to do it again."
"If someone tries to burn you, you scorch the earth around them instead."
Being cruel is as much of a choice as being kind is.
I choose to be kind, because all cruelty has ever left me with is a hurt hand and choking on smoke.
Sometimes people see that as a sign that I am weak and I will tolerate words and actions hurled at me like weapons.
Do not mistake kindness for tolerance. Kindness often covers a type of anger that would make the devil hesitant to step forward.
Kindness is a type of strength - one that fights for balance and peace for all involved, not just my own.
It does not rid one of the scars of battles, but it may be a balm that helps with the healing.
I know, better than most, how much easier it is to swing a punch or drop a match on already spilt gasoline. Sometimes choosing kindness feels like having to move a mountain with a toy shovel.
But mountains can be moved with persistence over time. Ashes cannot be reformed into what they once were.
Anger is easy. Kindness is hard.
When you can, choose kindness.
