I recently heard someone describe me as kind, not nice. At first, I was insulted. I know I have a tendency not to sugar coat and am not known for holding my tongue, but that’s what makes me good at efficient problem solving (professionally and personally). I may not be everyone’s cup of tea but I’m okay with that. Does that mean I’m not nice though?

The definition of nice is “pleasant, agreeable, satisfactory.” A sentence that uses the word in this way would be “We had a nice time.” Another definition is “fine or subtle” such as in the case of “a nice distinction.” Hmmm. That sounds sort of boring, or like a temporary, unimpactful state of being. That’s definitely not me.

Kind (kindness) on the other hand has many definitions, my favorites of which include “the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate” and “of a good or benevolent nature or disposition, as a person: a kind and loving person. having, showing, or proceeding from benevolence, helpful; humane (often followed by to): to be kind to animals. Now that sounds more like me. . .well, most of the time. We all have our moments!

There are so many moments in every day where we have the ability to impact those around us and to define ourselves as nice or kind. Whether it be a a longtime patient who recently lost a spouse, a new staff member who requires extra training to get up to speed, or an abandoned dog that desperately needs a “furever” home, being kind costs nothing and in the long run pays back in droves.

Please also remember to be kind to yourself and since this is part of our Friday Philosophies series, Have a “nice” weekend!