Daughters,
When you reflect on this past year,
I want you all to look at where you are now and where you've been. You've all gotten a little taller, a little stronger, a little smarter. But the best way to measure how you've grown isnt by inches or the number of laps you can now run around the track or even grade point average -though those things are important, to be sure. It's what you've done with your time, how you've chosen to spend your days, and whom you have touched this year. That, to me, is the greatest measure of success.
"Shall we make a new rule of life... always try to be a little kinder than is necessary." -J.M. Barrie
"Kinder than is necessary," what a marvelous line, isn't it? Kinder than is necessary. Because it's not enough to be kind. One should be kinder than needed. Why I love that line, that concept, is that it reminds me that we carry with us, as human beings, not just the capacity to be kind, but the very choice of kindness. Is the sure knowledge that, in the future you make for yourselves, anything is possible. If every single person made it a rule that wherever you are, whenever you can, you will try to act a little kinder than is necessary- the world really would be a better place. And if you do this, if you act just a little kinder than is necessary, someone else, somewhere, someday, may recognize in you, in every single one of you, the face of God.
This is from one of my favorite books called Wonder by RJ Palacio. I've had this passage from the book tucked away, waiting for the right time. I believe now is that time, and these words are what I hope to instill in you both. Being kind is so important! You'll find that at times, throughout your life, you may be the only one being kind. But when you are grown up and an adult- I feel like these words are even more important to live by.
There is a certain kind of peace that comes along with choosing to be kind, even when it's not the knee-jerk reaction we often react with. Being kind may not always reflect in who you are showing kindness to, but it will always be the best choice- I promise. I know you will discover this on your own someday, but all of your success and money will not hold the same impact on this world or in your own life as your kindness will.
So choose to be kinder than is necessary,
Mom
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