In my opinion, there is no greater objective in life, if you want to truly be happy and find fulfillment, than to treat others with loving kindness.  There are a million ways to say it much more eloquently than I just have.  These are my three favorite quotes that I strive hard to remember each day:

• "Kindness can become its own motive.  We are made kind by being kind."        --Eric Hoffer
• "If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.  If you want to be happy, practice compassion."        --The Dalai Lama
• "An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.  But I tell you, do not resist an evil person.  If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.  And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.  If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.  Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you."        --Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:38-42)

Now I'm sure we all realize that showing loving kindness to our fellow neighbor is sometimes easy, but at other times, can be a downright battle within ourselves.  When I was younger, I used to pop off at the mouth regularly to those that happened to offend, but I've since come to realize that for every verbal dagger I threw at someone else, my own peace-of-mind was upset even further.  Since personal peace is a goal I wish to attain each day, I've learned that it is always better to bite my own tongue and smile in the face of confrontation, instead of delving head-first into it.

For instance, recently I became HOT with a particular online gift card company's customer service lady and her manager.  When the smoke had cleared, it was obvious to everyone involved that I had been treated unfairly and totally against company policy rules.  I knew then and there that I had the upper hand and the total power to get both of those ladies in a lot of trouble.  In the heat of the moment, I asked for the complaint department's contact information and I wrote it down with all intent to get those two women in as much trouble as I could muster.  They had made me so steaming mad, the next day I proceeded to go on a thirty minute rant to my husband about what horrible people they were and how bad they had treated me.

These are the times when it's all too easy to let hate, spite and your own pride get in the way of a good decision, and during these times it's imperative to remember the loving kindness mantra and stick to it.  I'm proud to say that I decided not to report both ladies to their respective company's complaint department, for I shouldn't spend my time promoting hate and hurt.  Instead, I should find a way to forgive and to love.

My life has been much more tranquil and peaceful since adopting the loving kindness directive and I dare say, it's made me a better wife and mother too.  Most importantly, treating others with loving kindness helps me to make this world a little better than it was before.

I'm curious to know:  What has inspired you to grow as a person?

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This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cerra.  The opinions and text are all mine.  Official Contest Rules.