Alright, People.

I am trying. And as of oh, right now, I am going to try a hell of a lot more than I have … to do this.

To speak kindly. To question myself before I speak about speaking kindly and yeah, is it really necessary? Is what I am about to say going to hurt someone else — could it hurt someone else, even if they don’t know about it or aren’t there? Is it even really all that “true”?

Growing up with a Betty for a father, is a hard thing. Because we all know — Betty’s like to talk … um … a lot. Especially about other people. They’re nosy and opinionated.

I will also add in likes to cook, bake and decorate in color schemes … all things TC enjoys. Kinda freaky now that I’m not only thinking about it, but typing those words out. I’m half surprised he didn’t leave Maman for a man. I mean, a man cooking Thanksgiving dinner {homemade pies and all}. And not letting anyone else in his kitchen … yeah … let’s just leave it at that, why don’t we.

Anyway, my point here is … I think we can go on default about talking about others. In not so kind or highly of ways. I don’t think we mean to … well … sure, sometimes we mean to, because let’s be real — sometimes people can be a-holes, and that a-holeness is always about them, but they bring us in.

And then we have to vent. And then sometimes complain. And then go tell however many people we can what an a-hole they are, so we have confirmation and validation.

I don’t really enjoy it anymore … on any level. I want to speak highly of all, and if I feel I can’t — not say a damn word.

I want to strive for kindness and compassion and openness in all my interactions.

I’m not really so great about this all the time … without even realizing it, I find myself criticizing, or at least thinking it to myself about another. But in actuality, we need less critical, more kind … I think it’s safe to say that we can and should always err on the side of kindness.

It wins.