What’s more important; being right or being real? What’s more important; getting what you want or getting what you need? What’s more important; your own comfort or the dignity of another? What’s more important?  What’s most important? If first thing’s first – what’s first? Kindness. Above all, kindness. Kindness to self, kindness to all, kindness to the whole. Kindness is unconditional, soothing and inspiring. Kindness begets kindness like a smile begets a smile and kindness to self is the beginning of genuine compassion for all beings. You cannot force yourself to be kind.  You cannot shame yourself into being kind. You cannot create kindness from its opposite – it is birthed of itself and endlessly reciprocating.  Kindness comes first.