The Kindest Thing I’ve Ever Been Told

I was spending an evening with a dear friend of mine, and towards the end of our time, he turned to me and said, “You’re a good soul.” He told me he always feels good around me, that I bring a bright energy wherever I go, that I’m an honest and sincere person. I don’t mean to share this story to brag about my character (though I am pretty awesome), but rather to share what I was thinking after the fact.

I thought about how I feel when I’m around other people. I feel more social around people that are kind, honest, cheerful, and supportive to me, and similarly I feel more drained around people that are mean, dishonest, cranky, and unsupportive to me. Because I know how lousy I feel just being in the same space as negative people, I try to be energetic, polite, patient, and friendly to everyone. I try even when I’m frustrated, tired, hungry, or impatient, and especially when I’m angry and might otherwise regret my behaviour.

I’m a flawed person. I’m terrible at following up on making plans with my friends; I ignore most phone calls because I prefer text messages; I have little patience for people that disrespect my time; and I can be hugely influenced by my emotions. It’s just really reassuring to know that, despite my faults, I’m still putting out a good energy into this world.

What kind of energy do you exude?

XOXO, Adina

Originally published at https://yourgirladina.squarespace.com on March 1, 2022.