WINSTON WEEKLY^[1]

Vol. 2, No. 29

July 21, 2024

“BE KINDER THAN NECESSARY”

In Nikki Haley’s book, With All Due Respect, she notes the life motto of the late Cynthia Graham Hurd, “Be kinder than necessary.” Cynthia was fifty-four when her life as a librarian, community leader, and beloved family member ended.

For those who may not know or have forgotten about the murders at Mother Emmanuel Church in Charleston, South Carolina, Cynthia was one of multiple victims on June 17, 2015. In addition to addressing the murders, Nikki details other national and international matters, including her tenure in the Trump administration. Regardless of anyone’s political views, the book provides unique perspectives on leadership and America’s role in difficult moments.

I have struggled with being kind more times than I care to admit. To “Be kinder than necessary” is a lofty goal, but something I hope to attain during my lifetime. But on any given day, circumstances interfere. Life gets in the way.

Whether a driver is more interested in their cell phone than the children in their car or a person uses words that rub me the wrong way, I confess to days of unkind thoughts. To shift those thoughts, I started embracing library time. Whether the home library at the Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio in Kansas City or the new library down the street, library time provides renewal and reflection.

Modern libraries offer far more than books. Employees provide a range of expertise, from technology courses to small business courses. There are resources for infants to toddlers, for college students to retirees.

THIS WEEK’S ACTIVITY What does kindness mean to you? If you struggle with teaching kindness to a child, student, or colleague, consider ways to shift your thoughts and help others. Visit different libraries. Volunteer. Write. Reflect. Create a memorable motto.

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[1] Copyright July 21, 2024. Winston Weekly is a weekly newsletter and blog by Alysen Bayles and is available at www.baylesandbruce.com or by e-mail at baylesandbruce@gmail.com. Please feel free to share with the appropriate attribute. Alysen’s views are her own.