“Have a heart that never hardens, a temper that never tires, a touch that never hurts.”

–Charles Dickens

After a grueling few weeks of work and life and some moments that feel like utter pain due to all of the exhaustion; I am sent this quote by my inspirational Aunt thinking of me in the south. I can’t help but repeat it over and over in my head. Is it possible to have a heart that never hardens in the world we live in today? To be up against the agony of the day-to-day, the hurt, the love, the fear, the work, the exhaustion, and everything else we face each day just to wake up and do it all over again. I usually am one who prides myself with that ability but then I look to the other: “a temper that never tires”. Well for anyone who has children or participates in service groups, boards and any other volunteer positions, you can relate to the push and the pull. How can one be pulled and pushed every which way and maintain an even cool, a mellow temper? Is it possible?

After an exciting few weeks of change, travel, work, exercise, and family commitments, I realized that Charles Dickens is on to something here. So I start my new years resolution now, with something I believe to be obtainable. No, I am not going to lose 50 pounds by bikini season, I am not going to give up craft beer, I cannot say I will go to the gym everyday. I am however going to try to always be kind to others. I will think before I speak and remember that a cool, mellow temper is greater and received better than the heated. I will always be gentle and caring.

If we all could be strong and not let the day-to-day crap get to us, others around us would feel that awesome energy too, it rubs off. If we all calm down a little and walk away: there would be less hurt and sadness. If we all were gentle with those around us, the world might be a better place.

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