Earlier this week I read Wonder by R. J Palacio. It's a book that has nestled itself into the place in my heart reserved especially for books that I want to keep close to me throughout my life. It's one of those books that has a few sentences that jump out and I think one of the most important ones is:
“If every person made it a rule that wherever you are, whenever you can, you will try to act a little kinder than is necessary - the world really would be a better place."
And I understand that it's simply not possible for everyone to like each other. Personalities will clash and opinions will differ. But does not liking someone mean that you can't be kind to them? I suppose that's something that depends on what has happened previously. Maybe they did something that you can't forget about. I understand that and I don't think that makes you a bitter person.
Sometimes I say things that I don't mean on purpose. Sometimes I'm incredibly selfish and don't consider other people's feelings. Sometimes I'm too stubborn and won't do something that I don't want to, even if someone else really does. We all make mistakes. But ultimately I think it's important to try to be kind, always. Even when it's difficult. Especially when it's difficult.
xoxo
Oh gosh, I love Wonder! Such a great read <3
ReplyDeletexo Romila Marie runbarbierun.com
It's a beautiful book <3
Deletei adored the quotes and thoughts throughout this book, it was beautiful, i took alot on board.
ReplyDeleteI spend alot of my life trying to be kind and nice to others no matter how rude they can be xxx
It's such a wonderful book <3
DeleteI love this post, it is a bit of serendipity/an auspicious sign as just as I started reading this I got an email via Goodreads from someone recommending this to me so it's now on my must-read list! I love that rule and it's something I really need to work on. I try generally to be a kind person but I know that I am especially kind to my close friends and family and perhaps not always so kind to those who get on my nerves or aren't my favourite people to spend time with, so I need to work on being kinder all round. Especially when it's difficult - love that.
ReplyDeleteRosie | A Rosie Outlook
It's a really wonderful read, I highly recommend it! xo
DeleteI was thinking, hmmm I recognise that quote. That's because I read Wonder this week too!!! It's a lovely book isn't. And I think everyone could do with being kinder than necessary. A mantra I will take with me through life too.
ReplyDeleteJenny | sunny sweet pea xx
I completely agree, it's a stunning read <3
DeleteI've had this book on my mental list to read for a while now. I think I picked it up in a book shop a good few months ago and read the first chapter being pulled in straight the way. I like what you've gleaned from the book and you're certainly correct, it's important to remember that we are all human at the end of the day.
ReplyDeleteMel
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http://meljwills.blogspot.co.uk
It's so wonderful <3
DeleteI like the sound of this book and of this concept - I will try to be a little kinder than is necessary :)
ReplyDelete<3 <3
DeleteThat really is a great quote.....great mantra. x
ReplyDeletehttp://vodkaandarose.blogspot.co.uk
Absolutely! xo
DeleteWhat a lovely post Jenny and definitely something to take on board! The book sounds excellent - I think I need to give this a read! x
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful book <3
DeleteWow that quote is lovely and I agree about
ReplyDeletethe part: kinder than necessary, this world
needs some c; Xx
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DeleteI really want to read it!!!=)lovely post Jennie!!!
ReplyDeletexoxo
<3 <3
Deleteadding this to my "to-read" list - sounds like a lovely book and that quote is perfect. great opinions and i agree - sometimes i hold grudges and struggle to forgive. it's situations like this where being kind is the hardest but also makes the most impact :)
ReplyDeleterachel x
blush&brunch
It's a wonderful read! <3
DeleteWhat a great quote! I'm going to save it x
ReplyDelete<3
DeleteI've never read the book but maybe I should! It's good to be kinder than necessary, and I sometimes forget. Especially when I'm in a hurry!
ReplyDeleteP.s. I've just read all your "Ralphie's Diary" posts and they are just adorable! He is the cutest little fluff ball. I have a ginger bunny called Archie - I wonder what his diary would look like!
xx
Aww <3
DeleteIve always loved that quote :) The book looks like a good read. Looking it up now.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, Jennie. Which books are your faves btw? :)
Ahh so many, I have a goodreads account :) xo
DeleteThis is such a sweet post! PS I like the new header :)
ReplyDeleteThank you lovely! ox
DeleteThat's such a great quote and some lovely advice. I always try to be kind, but I've never thought about being kinder than necessary, will try and incorporate it into my life from now on though :)
ReplyDelete<3 <3
DeleteBeautiful sentiment, Jennie :) I think you're exceptionally kind! <3 xxx
ReplyDeleteN'aww <3
DeleteEveryone should keep this in mind.
ReplyDeleteAnd it's not weird that you're selfish sometimes, or stubborn, that's what makes you human!
Definitely, we're not perfect <3
DeleteI haven't read the book, but I totally agree with that quote. It is difficult, specially if you are having a bad day, to remember the importance of being kind and sharing love. Kindness is contagious, and maybe one day we will all understand that and we'll try to leave our worries aside and face each day with good feelings and smiles.
ReplyDeleteHave an amazing day!
http://sheseeksvictoria.wordpress.com
That would be lovely <3
DeleteI completely agree and I want that book. I always try to remember the quote 'Be kinder than you feel'. I'd quite like a little print of it as a reminder.
ReplyDeleteTara xo
<3
DeleteLove that quote, what a great post!
ReplyDelete:) xo
DeleteSounds like a book that I need to read!
ReplyDeletexx
I really recommend it <3
DeleteSuch a wonderful quote. I wish that everyone could just be kinder to one another but I admit that sometimes it's difficult if there's a bad history. In those situations, though, I just smile and move on.
ReplyDeleteIAmLinderella.blogspot.co.uk
Definitely the best thing <3
DeleteI had read the quote "always be a little kinder than necessary" before and I didn't even realise it comes from a book. I think it's such a wonderful motto to live by though - I think if everyone was politer to each other (even just saying "hello" to a stranger you walk past in the street every day, or letting someone go ahead of you in the queue for the train, or paying someone a compliment), was more patient with each other, and - it's a cliché for a reason - always at least tried to treat others like how they'd like to be treated, society would be a much nicer place to be.
ReplyDeletex
I completely agree <3
DeleteIt's a good rule to live by. I aim to do that at work, things are very difficutlt there and I think being kind to my colleagues is making a bit of a difference!
ReplyDeleteThat's lovely <3
Deletethis is always an ethos i have stood by. you have no idea what anyone is going through, and a little kindness may be hugely appreciated. :)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! xo
DeleteI think this is a good thing to remember! However I think it's also important to be selfish every once in a while. I get taken advantage of sometimes as I'm always trying to please everyone else. Although hopefully it's possible to be slightly selfish and kind, as I would hate to think that becoming more selfish would make me a worse person!
ReplyDeleteI think there's a difference between the two xo
DeleteIt is hard to be kind! But you don't want to be taken advantage of -Hanna Lei
ReplyDeleteI think you can be kind without being taken advantage of :)
DeleteWonder is such a awesome book! I think it it so important to remember to try one's best to be kind to everyone.
ReplyDeleteuntitledandunfinished.wordpress.com
Definitely <3
Deletelove this quote :) xx
ReplyDeletewww.ambifashion.com
:) xo
DeleteLovely post Jennie! We all could do with being a little nicer sometimes!
ReplyDeleteGold Dust
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<3
DeleteIt always amazes me how wonderful you really are. Just from reading your blog I can see that you have the most beautiful soul :)x
ReplyDeletexoxo
DeleteI loved this post, definitely going to have a look at this book.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny, I read this just after watching a friend-of-a-friend's response to a Neknomination on Facebook, where he decided that rather than drink a pint of something stupid he was going to take hot drinks out to homeless people instead. Being kinder than necessary is something the world really needs a little more of...
Hannah
That's so lovely! xo
DeleteThis is such a lovely post and something I think so many people forget. We get so caught up in life, we forget to live and do to others as we wish we were done by. Thank you for the recommendation, I'll definitely check it out! I just stumbled upon your blog and I can't wait to see more!
ReplyDeleteNora=)
The Hopelessly Optimistic
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DeleteWhat a wonderful post Jennie. I really relate to this. Someone I'm living with is extremely difficult quite a lot of the time, but I struggle to not be stubborn and shun them, when really I just need to show some kindness. I'm going to bookmark this page to remind myself. Thank you. :) Wendy xx
ReplyDeleteScottish Wendy | Wendy's World
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DeleteBeautiful words Jennie, I certainly agree the world would be a better place if we all lived by this <3
ReplyDeleteSophie xxx
xoxo
DeleteI am going to have to check this book out! I totally agree with you. Why aren't people kinder to each other, even if personalities clash. If someone I don't know does something to pee me off, before I let the steam out of my ears I try to think "I don't know this person and whose to say they haven't just received some really heart achingly sad news". I also think the world would be a happy place if people just smiled more at each other. x
ReplyDeleteIt's a truly beautiful book <3
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