I love this post and your comment "It’s an interesting observation that if we feel satisfied and happy with our lives, then being kind to others and ourselves is quite effortless." You can't give away something that you don't have... so you need to learn to be kind to yourself before you can give it to others. I just read a wonderful article in the Atlantic by author Art Brooks called "How to Want Less". It's a great read about that elusive satisfaction (Mick Jagger - 'I Can't Get No Satisfaction'). Here's the link: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2022/03/why-we-are-never-satisfied-happiness/621304/. Thanks for talking about the importance of kindness....and showcasing movies that are reminders that 'there's no place like home.' 💜
Thanks Heather! Thank you for explaining what's really going on, which is that you can't give away something you don't have. Film critic Roger Ebert had a similar insight that you just helped me remember: " 'Kindness' covers all of my political beliefs. No need to spell them out. I believe that if, at the end of it all, according to our abilities, we have done something to make others a little happier, and something to make ourselves a little happier, that is about the best we can do. To make others less happy is a crime. To make ourselves unhappy is where all crime starts. We must try to contribute joy to the world. That is true no matter what our problems, our health, our circumstances. We must try. I didn't always know this, and am happy I lived long enough to find it out."
I love this post and your comment "It’s an interesting observation that if we feel satisfied and happy with our lives, then being kind to others and ourselves is quite effortless." You can't give away something that you don't have... so you need to learn to be kind to yourself before you can give it to others. I just read a wonderful article in the Atlantic by author Art Brooks called "How to Want Less". It's a great read about that elusive satisfaction (Mick Jagger - 'I Can't Get No Satisfaction'). Here's the link: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2022/03/why-we-are-never-satisfied-happiness/621304/. Thanks for talking about the importance of kindness....and showcasing movies that are reminders that 'there's no place like home.' 💜
Thanks Heather! Thank you for explaining what's really going on, which is that you can't give away something you don't have. Film critic Roger Ebert had a similar insight that you just helped me remember: " 'Kindness' covers all of my political beliefs. No need to spell them out. I believe that if, at the end of it all, according to our abilities, we have done something to make others a little happier, and something to make ourselves a little happier, that is about the best we can do. To make others less happy is a crime. To make ourselves unhappy is where all crime starts. We must try to contribute joy to the world. That is true no matter what our problems, our health, our circumstances. We must try. I didn't always know this, and am happy I lived long enough to find it out."
https://www.rogerebert.com/roger-ebert/go-gentle-into-that-good-night
Oh yes, that's beautifully said. Thanks for making my day.
I love this message of contentment. And now I guess I need to watch Kungfu Panda because I love all the others on this list!
You won't regret it! I put "Kung Fu Panda" on a short list of movies that will make you laugh: https://moviewise.substack.com/p/be-relentlessly-happy