The Kindness When Hurting Path

You're here because you're hurting. And someone—maybe yourself, maybe the world—is asking you to be kind anyway.

That's hard. I know.

I taught middle school for thirty years. I watched kids come in angry, scared, grieving, and we'd ask them to be kind to the kid next to them who was also angry, scared, grieving. It felt impossible some days. But I learned something: Kindness doesn't require you to be okay first. Sometimes it's the thing that helps you become okay.

Here's a gentle path. Take it slow.

Step 1: Start With Yourself

Self Kindness

You can't pour from an empty cup. Before we talk about kindness to others, let's talk about the voice in your head. Is it kind? If not, start here.

Step 2: When You Have Nothing Left

Kindness When Youre Exhausted

Some days you're running on fumes. Kindness feels like one more demand. This piece is for those days—when you're not sure you have anything left to give.

Step 3: The Small Things

Small Acts Of Kindness

Kindness doesn't have to be grand. Sometimes it's a nod, a held door, a moment of patience. These small acts add up—for others, and for you.

Step 4: When It's Hard

When Kindness Is Hard

Not everyone deserves your kindness. Or so it feels. This is about the people who make it difficult—and whether kindness is still worth it.

Step 5: The Ripple Effect

The Ripple Effect Of Kindness

You won't see most of the effects of your kindness. But they're there. This is about trusting that the small things matter, even when you can't measure them.

A Note

You don't have to do all of this today. You don't have to be kind to everyone. Start where you are. One small act. One moment of gentleness—toward yourself or someone else.

That's enough for now.

— Roger Jackson, still learning