The world can seem like a heavy burden sometimes. Everywhere we go, we’re bombarded with standards, expectations, and ways of living that may rub against our grain. But life doesn’t have to be so intense all the time. Somewhere between the busy hustle and bustle and ceaseless striving and competing, there lies a golden opportunity - the chance to learn to be truly good.
Being a good human being in the modern world doesn’t live up to everyone’s ideas. It's not about outdoing everyone else or the brightest most spectacular fireworks show of success. Being a good human being is about recognising yourself and others, valuing what makes us each unique and radiating a light from within. It’s a process of learning that doesn’t come easy but there are steps you can take to make it easier.
If you want to break the odds, if you want to find love, if you want to be your best self - here are ten steps you can take to being a good human being.
1. Show respect and understanding to yourself and others. Respect yourself enough to know what you want, where to draw boundaries and the choice to follow your truth. Respect others by giving them their space, their opinions and their kindness. Everyone has an inner knowing that we can all draw strength from.
2. Don’t be afraid of difficult conversations. Skirting around challenging issues won’t do anyone any favours. Speak your mind without fear and aggression and expose fragilities. If it’s hard for you, think of how hard it must be for them.
3. Make an effort to stay connected. Even when life gets busy, you should make time for friends, family and support systems. Whether that means having lunch with a friend, visiting family or just taking a few moments for pause, it makes all the difference.
4. Understand the power of love and never forget it. Being loved and loving others is incredibly powerful. Recognise and cultivate those around you and appreciate those who love you because it’s so rare and beautiful.
5. Keep learning. There’s always something new to learn. And while knowledge is power, use it wisely. There’s wisdom in arming yourself with knowledge, but there’s also pride in humility. Help someone, but don’t make them feel small.
6. Have a gentle heart. Forgiveness and empathy, especially towards yourself, can at times be difficult but essential. Allow yourself to feel pain and messiness, but still love tenderly – for yourself, your circumstances, and the ones close to you.
7. Put yourself in someone else’s shoes. Change your perspective and build empathy by trying to see yourself in other people’s situations. You won’t always understand what’s happening for them, but with a little bit of exploration and imagination, you can get close.
8. Choose your words carefully. Words have power beyond what we could ever imagine, so use them wisely. It is easy to offend or hurt someone without intending to, so listen with intent. Think before you speak and take responsibility for how you interact with others.
9. Accept mistakes as part of life. Mistakes are the best teachers and if you don’t make them it’s likely you’ll never learn. Let them be part of getting to know who you are and what you want. They’re a sign of growth and development, not failure.
10. Believe in yourself and always give yourself credit. It will take courage, patience and lots of self-encouragement. Don’t be afraid to be different, to make mistakes and to tackle big things. Believe in yourself and be proud of small successes.
Remember that you matter, that your feelings matter, and you deserve love and care too. Being kind to yourself is the best foundation for being the good person you want to be. So, smile genuinely, accept each day as it comes and practice kindness, because it’s never too late to be a good human being.
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