Being Kind

Last week I wrote a post for PRICE Training on ‘Self-care is not self-ish’. The TL;DR version is simple: doing what’s needed to look after yourself helps you show up as your best self for others.

In this, my final post before the end of the year, I wanted to reflect on something slightly different. Our way of being with others.

Christmas (for those who celebrate it) is often framed as a time of joy and celebration. Yet for many years now, it has also carried a quiet sadness for me. A sadness rooted in noticing how uneven life can feel at this time of year, both personally and professionally.

This season has a way of amplifying what we don’t have, rather than what we do, especially if we’re not fully present or intentional about noticing the good. No one’s life is perfect, regardless of what appears on social media. Still, many of us have much to be grateful for.

Which brings me to how we are with others: family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, and strangers. It’s easy to slip into judgement. Quick assumptions about who someone is, what they’re doing, and how it affects us.

The quote attributed to Robin Williams in the image above is a powerful reminder. Someone can appear to have everything, yet be fighting a battle we know nothing about. In his case, a battle so heavy that he could not see a way forward.

I’ve written this as much for myself as for anyone else. And with a small play on the original quote, especially at this time of year: if you’re not sure what to be, be kind.

If you’ve read any of my reflections during 2025, thank you for giving some of your precious time to them. I wish you a safe end to the year and hope you’re able to be kind to yourself and to others.

Here’s to 2026 being a little more inclusive, forgiving, and kind.