We all know kindness when we see it—

Let another motorist in your lane

Help a senior master the ATM machine

Buy a child at the store some penny candy

But when we treat ourselves kindly:

Is that selfishness? Egotistical?

Or is it self-love, long neglected, most often totally ignored?

Unkindness is out there in the world—

Swearing, bullying, self-centered acts

That put a bad taste in our mouths

But there’s also a place for kindness

Of the sort that energizes, validates and uplifts us,

That tells our inner world that our self-worth stands

Equal to our brothers and sisters

For inasmuch as we give generously to others

We must also give to ourselves

–Ron Cooper