Teddy Roosevelt coined the phrase…speak softly, and carry a big stick, like when he sent our fleet around the world during peacetime, just to let everyone know…don’t ever think we’re not ready.
Sadly, people who are kind are often perceived as assholes.
I want to set the record straight.
A brutal misconception if there ever was one.
My first chord always, is to be nice since that’s where the fruit is.
To pounce and criticize and rather than a stick, carry a chip, guarantees a rotten result.
HOWEVER…
Sometimes one has to shoot an elbow, as they say, to let it be known…don’t fuck with me Tonto because you’ll be sorry.
My father had no backbone, spending his short life cowling in my mother’s shadow.
My mother on the other hand, was a tyrant, terrorizing, controlling and often ruining the lives of others. Sounds heavy, I know, but alas, holds much truth.
I like to think I’ve inherited both, but proportionately…not too weak, not too strong.
If I get mad, let’s just say, you better run for cover.
Kindness inside out isn’t weakness…it’s actually strength in gentle packaging.
What an idiot, look at her feeding people, helping the elderly, sharing what she has, but wait, what’s that she’s carrying…looks like a really big stick.
Get my point?
SB
Scary!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I often have people tell me “why do you listen to these people?” “you need to cut that one loose” “you need to think about why you attract these people” My question is “Why do people care what I do, or who I listen to?” I think it’s odd that we can’t just do what we do without judgment. I also think people need to shut the Ef up!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Of course if we eliminate all of the nosy, judgmental people in our life, there won’t be anyone left. The cheese stands alone, as they say. Sigh
LikeLike
I feel like a nice soft Brie covered in nuts … lol
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’re so funny. Now I want Brie.
LikeLike
Susannah, I think you are like the baby bear, just right. To thine own self be true!
There are many examples of strong people who practiced kindness on a regular basis; Abe Lincoln, Mother Theresa, and my Pookie-Pie, to mention a few.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love that you call your husband Pookie-Pie…such affection.
LikeLike
I worked for a guy who was kind. He drove his wife crazy by thanking telemarketers before telling them he was not interested and hanging up. You couldn’t let the kindness fool you though. Tough as nails underneath it all but kind. I know that sounds contradictory but it worked.
LikeLike
Nicely told. Grace first, one-two punch in the wings, if needed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have that perfect balance, Susannah.
LikeLike
Thanks. I hate that people look at me as if you were a simpleton. I’m just kind Paul treating people the way I
want to be treated.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And that’s as it should be. It goes without saying that if more folks would adopt that philosophy our world would be a much better place.
LikeLiked by 1 person
When donkeys fly, as flo on Alice used to say.
LikeLike
Well I can’t wait for the donkey droppings. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Let me know if you see any. 🙂
LikeLike
LOL! I’ll probably let out screams of delight. Well… screams anyway. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
They’re such asses those donkeys…:)
LikeLike
Yep, it’ll all come out at the end.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s a good way to be. Kind of like Jesus. Kind and compassionate to everyone, but not someone to mess with. I’m pretty gentle, but don’t ever mess with my wife or anyone in my family or any of my students…
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know how kind you are, and glad to hear you also carry a big stick…like Teddy. 🙂
LikeLike
Well said.
LikeLiked by 1 person