Tag: thoughtfulness

Revealing all

Posted on by Olaf

What do you see in this picture?  How might you associate it with the title?  Which way are you already thinking? Your answers to those three questions could be revealing your inner thoughts, perceptions and prejudices! Some things lurk in the alleyways of our minds that we wish did not so we keep them locked up as we do not want others to know they live in our ‘zoo’!  We tend to make assessments based on limited information and on inner biases rather too quickly.  If you look again, you will be able to see five water fowl that resemble adolescent ducklings but are in fact cygnets preening themselves, not fully aware that they are in process of becoming beautiful swans.  Hans Christian Andersen wrote ‘The Ugly Duckling’ in 1843 – what do you remember about it? 

  • ‘I realized that bullying never has to do with you. It's the bully who's insecure’ – Shay Mitchell

KINDNESS

Posted on by Olaf

There are subtle nuances in meanings between some words – take kindness, mercy and compassion for example.  If someone sends you some flowers, it could mean they love you, they are sending condolences or they are appreciating you. This thoughtful act may have traces of mercy and compassion but it is primarily a friendly, generous and considerate action of kindness.  Think back to when you last received some flowers or indeed sent some – what was the impact other than the giving or receiving of happiness?  It is said that ‘what goes round comes round’ – if this is true, then there is a ‘kindness circle’ in life which is loved and respected the world over.   Was Nellie Bly right when she said: ‘It is only after one is in trouble that one realizes how little sympathy and kindness there are in the world’?  Surely ‘the milk of human kindness is more prevalent?