How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will have been all of these.
There is no charm equal to the tenderness of heart ~ Jane Austen
The world is not kind to the tenderhearted. There is a lot of shame surrounding sensitivity. We don’t exactly live in a culture that celebrates those of us who walk a softer, more complicated path.
Not everyone is going to like you. Not everyone is going to understand you. Remember it is never your job to make them do either. You do not owe anyone an explanation, a rationalization, or an apology for being who you are and feeling what you do.
Many a time you will be ridiculed or shamed for being tender hearted.Be your radical, soft-souled self and wear it proudly. Fight the good fight and still preserve your heart.
You become bitter, cold and desperate only when you take up the wrong battles.Learn to walk away from bitter people.There is no guilt in that. “Pick your battles. You don’t have to show up to every argument you’re invited to”
Stick to your arena, and you will win. There is strength in kindness.
Beautiful words; thank you very much. Strength in kindness. And it’s not my job or responsibility to make others like me or understand me. I think sometimes there are people who crave power or attention, and they may take advantage of kindness, openness and tenderness. They may even see a sensitive person as weak, and use that as a target. On the other hand, living with tenderness and kindness is happy and rewarding. Often, giving love is fulfilling even more than receiving love, and giving is a choice. I’m reading a sweet, small book called “Training in Tenderness”, a beautiful and encouraging book, like your writing here. Thank you, Maya, for both sharing and allowing for tenderness around you.
Thank you, Kris, so appreciate you stopping by & sharing your thoughts here with us. Yes, there is strength in tenderness, not everyone is blessed with that, to understand its value. When we do understand, never shy away, from wearing your kindness /tenderness boldly and stepping into the world. It is like you beautifully said, the most rewarding thing.Enjoy your new book on tenderness, would love for you to stop by whenever you find time to share your thoughts, so we as a community of blogging friends can all benefit from wise words & sharing