Last week, a very sweet friend gifted me with a couple stickers, both revolving around kindness, “It’s cool to be kind“, and “Be a good human“. To say I LOVE them is an understatement!! 2 days later, I went out to get a hot pink water bottle so I could slap those babies on something pretty, shiny and new. My daughter, who is 8 and has the absolute kindest heart, read the stickers and asked, quite sincerely, “Mommy, what does it even mean to be a good human?“.

I had to pause, and really consider my words, because it’s NOT a clear cut definition, is it? Grayson and I talked about things a good human does, which are pretty obvious, but we also chatted about things a good human does not do. If you’re looking for a perspective that challenges your own, and opens your heart to a different outlook on life, chat with, and really listen to, a child. Children emanate pure, innocent wisdom, not yet darkened by the hardness of life and loss. I’m encouraged EVERY DAY by my kiddos, and amazed at how much they really see, hear, and feel; kids are super intuitive if you give them the space to share their insights with you.

If you don’t know how I roll: I’m not here to judge anyone, or make decisions on morality, or how “good” anyone is, or isn’t. My perspective, in most every circumstance, is that we are all doing the best we can, with what we have. That’s not to say that I think crummy people should keep on keeping on, that’s to say I haven’t walked in your shoes, and I’m not going to judge you for how you do you. If you chose to be less than light, consistently, don’t expect to be treated as sunshine … who has the energy for that, really?

*Real Rach Talk, if you fit the bill of “crummy person”, you gotta know that I used to have a mostly crummy attitude, too, and it’s POSSIBLE TO CHANGE. With a mindset to dig deep, heal the wounds that keep you holding tight to less than healthy thoughts and actions, YOU CAN DO IT. It’s not for the faint of heart to do a 180 revival of your life’s perspective, but totally worth it when you look back and see g.r.o.w.t.h. So put in the work, and claim the title of “good human”.

Anyhoo, what’s the deal on being a good human? You go the extra mile, maybe you don’t always want to, but you bend and sway, and help others when in need. Do you look for the good in others, rather than seek out the bad? Do you reach out with a boost of kind words, or actions, when you see someone down? Have you kept a negative Nelly opinion to yourself, knowing it wasn’t necessary, and wouldn’t change anything if you did? These things SHOUT good human! So does the giving of your time when it’s not entirely convenient, but you are entirely capable of giving it; sharing resources because you want to, not have to; or seeing someone else’s point of view instead of insisting they see yours. Easy peasy stuff, right? These are just a few drops in the bucket, out of millions, of ways to show off that amazingly kind heart of yours! Cultivate this skill!!! Flourish!!!

person holding note with be kind text
Photo by Lisa Fotios on Pexels.com

Don’t forget, part of being a good humans is self care. This is an area where I struggle, for realz. I’m working on it, life is a work in progress, and I’m ok with that fact. Setting boundaries, speaking up for yourself, taking care of your needs, and making space for healing and growth are essential, so is continuously searching your heart for areas where you can step up to the plate.

My humble opinion is when it comes down to it, being a good human is a choice, rather than something that comes naturally. Sharing kindness, loving others where they are, and shining so brightly others can’t help but light up isn’t always easy, but it will always be worth it. So go out there, friends, be a good human, and give others the chance to do the same.

With Sunbeams and Love,

Racheal Xx