Ethan Sterling
Have you ever met someone who, despite the hurt they’ve experienced, remains kind and compassionate?
There’s something remarkable about these individuals.
It’s as if they’ve tapped into a well of inner strength that allows them to remain empathetic and caring even in the face of adversity.
Now, you might be thinking, “How can I possibly be like them? How can they remain kind after experiencing so much pain?”
Well, here’s the surprise.
You might already be displaying some of these unique strengths without even realizing it.
In this piece, we’re going to delve into the seven unique strengths often found in people who remain kind despite being hurt.
Whether you’re looking to cultivate these traits in yourself or simply want a greater understanding of these amazing people around you, read on.
1) Resilience
If there’s one trait that stands out among those who remain kind after being hurt, it’s resilience.
Resilience is like a rubber band. No matter how much it’s stretched or twisted, it always bounces back to its original shape.
Similarly, resilient people have an incredible ability to bounce back from adversity.
They understand that pain is a part of life and instead of letting it harden their hearts, they choose to grow from it.
They see every challenge as an opportunity for personal growth and transformation.
So, next time you’re faced with adversity, remember the power of resilience. It’s not just about getting back up after a fall, but also maintaining a kind heart in the process.
And speaking of the kind heart…
2) Empathy
Empathy is another strength commonly found in those who stay kind even after experiencing pain.
Now, let me share a personal example to illustrate this.
A few years ago, I had a friend who was going through a tough time. Family issues, work stress, and on top of that, health complications – it seemed like the whole world was against him. Despite my own problems, I found myself deeply moved by his struggles.
I realized that my own experiences with pain had amplified my ability to empathize with others. It wasn’t about disregarding my own pain, but understanding that everyone has their own battles to fight.
And that’s what empathy is all about – it’s about understanding and sharing the feelings of others. It’s about stepping into their shoes and seeing the world from their perspective.
Remember, your experiences with pain can actually make you more empathetic. They can help you connect with others on a deeper level, making you a beacon of kindness in their lives.
3) Forgiveness
Now, let’s move on to another strength that often goes unnoticed – forgiveness.
I remember a time when I was deeply hurt by someone I trusted. The betrayal stung and it was all I could think about for a long time.
But, as days turned into weeks and weeks into months, I realized that holding onto this bitterness was only causing me more pain.
So, I decided to forgive.
Forgiving didn’t mean forgetting or excusing what they had done. It meant letting go of the resentment that was weighing me down. It meant choosing peace over hostility and understanding over judgement.
This experience taught me that forgiveness is more about freeing yourself than it is about the person who hurt you.
And that’s why it’s such a powerful strength. It allows you to heal and move forward, maintaining your kindness and compassion despite the pain you’ve experienced.
Forgiveness isn’t weakness. It’s a strength that can bring about immense healing and personal growth.
4) Optimism
Optimism is another strength that often characterizes those who remain kind after being hurt.
They say that the glass can be half empty or half full, depending on how you choose to see it.
People who stay kind despite the pain they’ve been through are often the “half full” kind. They see the silver linings, even in the darkest of clouds.
This doesn’t mean that they’re unrealistic or naive. They acknowledge the bad, but they also recognize and appreciate the good.
This optimistic mindset helps them maintain a positive attitude and continue spreading kindness, despite their own struggles.
Remember, your perspective can shape your reality. So, why not choose a perspective that fosters hope, positivity, and kindness?
5) Self-awareness
Let’s talk about self-awareness.
Did you know that elephants are known for their high levels of self-awareness? They can recognize themselves in a mirror, showing an understanding of self that’s rare among animals.
In a similar vein, individuals who stay kind after being hurt often have a heightened sense of self-awareness.
They understand their emotions and reactions, and how these influence their behavior towards others.
They don’t let their pain cloud their judgment or lead them to treat others poorly. Instead, they use their understanding of self to navigate their emotions and continue spreading kindness.
Self-awareness is a powerful tool in maintaining kindness. It allows you to understand your own hurt and ensures it doesn’t translate into unkind behavior towards others. It keeps you grounded and connected with your innate capacity for kindness.
And — it keeps you growing…
6) Growth mindset
One of the most challenging periods of my life was when I lost my job unexpectedly.
I felt like a failure. It was a blow to my self-esteem and I struggled to stay positive.
But as time passed, I realized something important. This setback wasn’t a reflection of my worth or ability. It was just that – a setback.
This shift in perspective is what we call a growth mindset.
Those who remain kind after being hurt often have this mindset. They see failures and setbacks not as definitive judgments, but as opportunities for growth and learning.
They understand that pain and failures are just stepping stones on their journey to becoming better, kinder individuals. And this mindset allows them to keep their hearts open and extend kindness to others, despite their own struggles.
So remember, your setbacks don’t define you. They’re simply opportunities to grow, learn, and become an even kinder version of yourself.
7) Authenticity
The most important strength to highlight is authenticity.
Those who remain kind after being hurt are genuine in their actions and words. They don’t put on a facade or pretend to be someone they’re not.
Their kindness isn’t a mask to hide their pain, but a reflection of their true selves. Their experiences, no matter how painful, don’t change their core values or the kindness they carry within.
Authenticity is the cornerstone of their strength. It’s what makes their kindness resilient, enduring, and most importantly, real.
That’s why it’s important to be true to yourself. Your authenticity is what fuels your kindness and makes it shine even brighter.
The takeaway
If you’ve recognized some of these strengths in yourself, take a moment to appreciate your resilience and kindness.
Even if you’ve been hurt, your ability to remain kind is a testament to your inner strength. It shows that you have the power to turn adversity into personal growth and empathy.
Remember, it’s not about denying or suppressing the pain. It’s about channeling it into something positive and transformative.
American writer Kahlil Gibran once said, “Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars.”
So, hold onto your kindness. Nurture it. Let it be a beacon that guides you through your challenges and helps light the way for others.
And most importantly, stay true to yourself. Because your authentic kindness is your greatest strength.
