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Reasons to Be Kind: A Poem to Open Your Broken Heart

Reasons to Be Kind: A Poem to Open Your Broken Heart

We say “don’t suffer in silence” like it’s an easy thing to do. Like it doesn’t take a world of strength to bring our pain, shame or fear forward for someone else to see. 

With this in mind, if we could be kind to one another, we could open up a window for someone. We could say, “it’s OK to hurt, it’s OK to be you, it’s OK to talk about the things you’re going through.”

You just never know how far a kind word can go.

We could stop judging people so much if we took a second to think about how much we're alike, instead of dreaming up reasons why we’re better or worse.

Because so many of us are hurting.

Each of us, with our broken open hearts... we could help each other heal instead.

Here’s a reminder that our very humanity rests on the compassion we show each other. It’s half poem, half prayer.

It’s all praise for a world made better by the way we love each other, and by the way we love ourselves.

We say “don’t suffer in silence” like it’s an easy thing to do. Like it doesn’t take a world of strength to bring our pain forward for someone else to see. But if we could be kind to each other, we'd open up a window for someone. Read this poem to open your heart and share it with someone who needs your kindness today.

Reasons to Be Kind: A Poem

Be kind, because we’re only here for a little while,

and we’re here together

on the same blue and green planet,

under the same deep sky,

born of the same mystery and the same things that keep the world spinning.


Be kind, because you don’t know every ounce of a person’s past,

or what their future holds.

You can hear what they share, 

But what of the pains and grief and fear they don’t yet have the voice to bare?

What about the cracks in their heart

where the light hasn’t poured in?

What about these sorts of things?


Be kind, because there’s hidden sorrow everywhere.


There are mountains of anxiety too high to climb.

There are emotions too raw to be set free.

A polite smile is a master of disguise,

even the heartiest people hurt sometimes.

There are those who know a dread so deep, an unspeakable depth,

as deep as the deepest seabed.

There are dreams hiding like pearls within shells of defense.

There are shadows fencing people in.

Rain falls in the brightest places.


For so many of us, it’s true

that we’re stronger than we seem

because we’re going through so much more than you can see.

Be kind, because we need your kindness more than even

we know.


And no matter which side of the fence you’re on,

no matter how bright or how heavy or how empty your heart feels today,

be proud that you’re doing what you can

to make it through each day.

Be proud that you’re strong enough to be kind to others

even when your own heart breaks inside.

Be proud because you’re human.

Be proud because you’re here.

Be proud because no matter your past,

you never know what the future holds for you.


Be kind to yourself, too.

. . .

My print picks of the week:

  1. Love each other. Love yourself.
  2. You never know what part of your story will be part of someone else’s healing.
  3. This hawaiian ho’oponopono prayer.

Tell me:

Which part of this did you really need the most today?

Tell me in the comments. I read every single one, and I’d love to know what you think!

~ Jen

We say “don’t suffer in silence” like it’s an easy thing to do. Like it doesn’t take a world of strength to bring our pain forward for someone else to see. But if we could be kind to each other, we'd open up a window for someone. Read this poem to open your heart and share it with someone who needs your kindness today.

Comments on this post (9)

  • Jul 05, 2024

    I want to help my husband at my old job today I quit about anyone because of how terrible it was there. But when I went in, it was Way worse My husband has been going through a lot with me. And just in general, and they treat him so terribly He wanted to cry, you could see it, This is what we were leaving for his break To take me home, I did cry because I don’t understand how people can treat somebody so bad. This made me see that he’s going through a lot And they are probably too And that is why they are treating him so bad But to treat him like this is wrong and it’s painful to watch. I appreciate it this poem because I needed to know that Even though he is the one being targeted they are probably going through some hell them selfs. I just hope that My husband can be strong and not letting it affect him anymore or hurt him.

    — Sierra

  • Oct 10, 2022

    This is the best thing I read today. I needed these words so badly. Thank you.

    — Varsha

  • Apr 17, 2021

    Susan, bless you and your son, your sister and her daughter. May you know peace.

    — Jennifer Williamson

  • Apr 11, 2021

    Thank you for this poem. It spoke to my heart. I made two copies; One for my Sister and her 30 year old disabled daughter. I also have a 30 year old disabled son. He and I feel grief and loss ; as do my Sister and Niece. It comforted me and I believe it will comfort them. Thank you again and God bless you with shalom.

    — Susan Howe

  • Dec 01, 2019

    Jim, thank YOU Jim!

    — Jennifer Williamson

  • Nov 22, 2019

    Shanon, I’m so glad these words found you right when you needed them. Congratulations on turning a new leaf ~ I wish you the best! <3

    — Jennifer Williamson

  • Nov 22, 2019

    I needed to be reminded that we’re all here together under the same big blue sky, thank you so much. This is one of the many little things that’s helping me turn my life around, thank you. Thank you.

    — Shanon

  • Oct 17, 2019

    Tami, I’m not sure I have the answers for these questions… but I guess that would mean you’re not alone <3

    — Jennifer Williamson

  • Oct 17, 2019

    I needed this, I needed to know that there are other people out there that understand how badly I hurt inside.
    When does it get better?
    When does the wound heal?
    When will it be safe to ever let the
    world in again?

    — Tami

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