I might not be....

I heard a phrase today, something I have felt but never put words to because I was afraid of being judge and misunderstood.

“I am kind, even though I may not always be nice.”

Somewhere along the way, we were taught that nice and kind are the same, but they are not. Niceness is often performance. It’s people-pleasing, fake politeness. It avoids tension, conflict and sometimes the truth in order to keep the peace. It values approval over authenticity. 

But kindness…Kindness is steady. It can say no with compassion. It can hold a boundary without guilt. It’s willing to speak truth, even when it’s not received with open arms. Kindness is honest. Rooted. Whole.

So, I just want to finally speak my truth, I may not always be nice in the eyes of those who expect ease over honesty. But I am always kind. And I’m no longer afraid to let that be enough.