Don't Confuse Kindness With Weakness

Years ago I was in the office of a very dear friend of mine. He was a major city official, a high school classmate, and a well known person in the area, the state, and on a national level. He was a very kind man and one who everyone he met showed him respect and deference. He went out of his way to help people. When we went out to eat lunch or dinner, people would come up to our table just to thank him for deeds he had done to help them. He was a good soul.

I was in his office on business one day when I noticed the large sign on the wall behind his desk. It read "Don't Confuse Kindness With Weakness." It struck me as something that both he and I lived by. We talked about that quote as we sat and discussed life and business.

There is a fine line between being kind, compassionate, and weak. One has to know the difference so as not to be a "doormat." Knowing when to say "No" is tough for some people. Yet, there are plenty of times when "No" is the correct answer. My father used to have an expression that at first seemed strange, but after I thought about it, it made so much sense. "After me, you come first." If he or you or I, don't take the time to take care of ourselves

Be Kind and Strong

, how are we going to take care of others. Of course, that's an overarching statement. My dad always took care of us, we were the primary thought on his mind. But, if he didn't take care of himself, he wouldn't have been able to take care of us. He was kind but he wasn't weak - ever.

So, be kind, compassionate, empathetic, AND strong. Weakness shouldn't be a companion of kindness in anyone's life.