Kindness, empathy, caring are all skills.   Yes they are also traits and we all come into the world probably with natural inclinations in each of these areas.  But they are fundamentally skills.  Skills that one can learn, and refine.  The simple belief that they are traits or intuitive, simply denies all of us the chance to try to learn and acquire greater skills in each of these and many other areas.   One can refine one’s ability to be empathetic, just as one can conversely improve one’s skill at being cruel and get better at hurting others whether that is physically or emotionally.  So at the end of the day, practice these skills. Make them part of your daily routine!   Make the world the place you want it to be!  Don’t wait for it to change on your behalf, because it will not.

© words and photo by Daniel DeMarle 2018 – photo Armory Burlington Vermont