We can learn from the past. Look at where things went wrong and right and why. Consider what we would differently if we could start over or again. We can analyse trends to try to predict what happens next. We can grow, change, embrace new ideas and activities.

And we can mark it. We can see how we have changed. The hardest thing is remembering our mindset, our beliefs, before we changed. Often mindset shifts change slowly, over time, through multiple interactions and experiences. We often don’t notice the change as it is occuring. We see it in hindsight – in the long view.

And then, we meet another. A peer, who is in the mindset we were before we changed. And we wonder why. Perhaps we are even angry with them (or we are taking out our self anger on them???) for being where they are at.

And yet, compassion, grace, and empathy call us to meet them where they are at. And perhaps recognise they too are on journey, just not the same one we are on.

Choose kindness today (and always). Kindness to yourself and kindness to others. We all need more kindness in our lives and communities. And it starts with each of us.

The choice is up to us.

Photo by Clay Banks