The world is already dark enough. Turn your light on and let it shine. Carry it everywhere you go. Be the good you want to see. Treat people the way you want them to treat you.
Be patient with everyone. You have no idea what they're going through, what they know, how they process things, etc.
Always choose to be kind. It opens more doors and ends more arguments than responding hatefully or demeaningly.
Listen to dissenting thoughts, ideas, beliefs, etc. You don't have to agree with them or embrace them. But if you squash them, silence them, belittle them, etc., few people will be willing to listen to yours.
Be polite! If someone is bashing, respond politely. Ask them what's going on. Chances are, they're going through something. Everyone goes through stuff. Offer sympathy and empathy. Offer to help if you can, or even pray.
Be the light. If you can't shine all the time, that's okay. Take time to tend your light. Don't lash out. Take some deep breaths. Go somewhere quiet if you need to. Listen to some music. Recharge. When you're ready, go shine that light again.
You can stand up for yourself, but don't put others down in doing so. Use clever kindness. Baffle them instead of cutting them down; they might learn more from it.
Speak out against injustice, but don't support or condone hurting people for your cause. 'An eye for an eye makes everyone blind'.
Now go be lovely people ❤️
