When it comes to the often vexed issue of mental wellbeing, there is much that we are prepared to reveal but often much more that we choose to conceal.
Self-examination in the interests of achieving better balance can lead to self-confession and admission. But then there are things that we are prepared to accept when it comes to our state of mind and other things we would prefer to ignore. In this instance, though, ignorance is a long way removed from bliss.
Outside of the struggles to rearrange our emotional furniture in a bid to pave the way to a less troubled existence, we battle with understanding the people around us.
The problem is that we are all individuals and each individual is unique. There is no one size fits all explanation. Everyone has their own history and their own ways of dealing with or disregarding that history. No two stories are the same.
We can assume that we know how another person is thinking; that we can recognise and understand their troubles. It’s rarely so.
There is some common ground…a point where individuals can truly connect. That point is kindness. Kindness is the quality of being friendly, generous and considerate.
It’s not judgement that people are looking for it’s kindness. It’s not suspicion and isolation that people seek it’s the knowledge that someone cares.
The best we can know about the people around us is that everyone has their own burdens and many are fighting their own demons. Their pain is real and their pain is personal.
Kindness is not always accepted but it costs nothing to offer. And there are rewards to be had both in the offering and the acceptance.
If we can be anything we should be kind.
Gary Bentley Counselling 