Is it possible to be kind to someone who has been rude to you or even downright belittled you? Now, I don’t mean by welcoming them in with open arms or sending them an invite to a backyard BBQ or anything of that nature. I mean kindness by words, the kind that flows from a place of empathy rather than obligation. Does it really give you the effect you’re anticipating? I suppose that is personal preference, shaped by one’s own experiences and demeanor, whether they would be able to accept being kind to an individual with such poison running through their veins. It’s a delicate balance, navigating the emotions that arise when confronted with negativity; one must decide whether to rise above or sink down to the level of the offender. I never write on anything I haven’t personally experienced at one point or another in my life. Take this subject, for example. I wasn’t planning on writing anything tonight, but after posting a pic on my TikTok with some gaming scores I’ve accrued from beating a game in three different difficulty levels and receiving some negative feedback filled with putdowns and plenty of emojis meant to insult me, I felt I needed to write again tonight. Those hurtful comments, though intended to belittle, prompted within me a sense of reflection and a desire to explore the complex emotions that arise in the face of such rudeness. It’s almost as if this writing is a sequel to the post I’ve just written and posted last night, allowing me to process my thoughts more thoroughly and perhaps find a way to articulate the importance of responding to negativity with grace.

I certainly did not need to defend my scores to these heartless trolls, as I don’t game for scores; I game for the enjoyment of the game and not for trying to beat any game within 2-4 hours of playtime. It’s disheartening to see how some people prioritize competition over the sheer pleasure of the experience. I didn’t need to feed these trolls my current health issues and what they do to me and my ability to play video games or even paint again for that matter. The mental and physical challenges I face often make gaming, which should be a source of joy, feel more like an uphill battle. Those who gave comments of kindness and compassion for the game and didn’t ask the why’s or how’s, like the trolls, did get a snippet of my ability to play video games or paint due to health issues that interfere and affect me currently. It’s those supportive voices that remind me why I love gaming in the first place—they see the passion behind the pixels, not just the numbers on a scoreboard. Did I delete those comments made by the trolls? Definitely I did not; instead, I chose to rise above their negativity, focusing on the joy that gaming brings into my life.

In some guilty, yet sinister joy, I left those comments for the social media world to see how the disabled and chronically ill people get treated by these faceless keyboard warriors. It was a deliberate act meant to shine a light on the cruelty that often goes unnoticed. I wanted perhaps their family and friends, oblivious to these online antics, might eventually see just what bullies they are by treating others badly while hiding behind a keyboard. These individuals often feel empowered by their anonymity, but I hoped to strip away that veil, forcing them to confront the impact of their words. Perhaps nothing would ever come of them for their behavior, but the digital world of social media can be a very powerful voice, echoing the sentiments of those who suffer at the hands of such callousness. I’m a huge believer in Karma as well, holding fast to the idea that the universe finds a way to balance itself. The karma universe will give back and do to them for what they have done to others, ensuring that their actions do not go unchallenged. It’s essential for everyone to understand that there are real people behind the screens, deserving of respect and empathy, and that the rippling effect of our words can be profound.

Kindness can go many ways, and it can be used to make others on the receiving end feel better and to the one giving the praise of kindness as well. It’s just how we interpret the value of the word kindness. Some choose to defend themselves with fighting words given to their abuser, while others prefer a more nuanced approach, channeling their energy into acts of kindness, perhaps with a slight hint of deviousness attached to the word kindness. I can take and even dish out that same heat to these trolls if I wanted to; however, I recognize that there are many others who may not possess the same resilience to confront such vitriol or who may struggle to transform that negativity into a source of empowerment. It takes a lifetime of learning and walking in the darkness to achieve such standards. I want those who can’t take such internet negativity to know, you’re not alone, and there are people like me who are just like you. I’m here to give you my voice and share my experiences from a lifetime of facing bullies—those who, without even realizing it, have taught me invaluable strategies for overcoming their bite. It’s essential to remember that amidst the chaos of online negativity, we can find strength in our shared experiences. There’s an entire community of individuals who have endured similar struggles, standing together in solidarity. By drawing upon this collective resilience, we can empower one another to rise above the fray. Each act of kindness we extend, no matter how small, has the potential to create ripples of positivity that can influence others in profound ways. In this journey, I’m here, and so are many others like me, who have taken on a lifetime of bullying, ready to help you learn the best defense against them and how to wield it to your advantage. Together, we can turn this pain into purpose, embracing the power of KINDNESS as a formidable weapon against negativity.

So, with this, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you as well to my trolls, the ones who unintentionally contribute to my growth and resilience. Every time I read your negativity, it not only strengthens me but also fuels my determination to keep sharing my thoughts and ideas. I appreciate how your comments spark discussions and encourage others to engage with my content. Moreover, your presence inadvertently helps my posts go viral by attracting a multitude of views; you not only bring in more trolls but also invite in the kinder people who resonate with my message. These individuals take the time to understand who I am and recognize your profile names and accounts, offering a more balanced view of the discourse. Perhaps, through this exposure, a coworker, teacher, or future employer will also see you for the value you bring, or rather, for what you represent. Thank you for making my posts garner hundreds and even thousands of views, pushing me to continue my journey with a renewed sense of purpose and an ever-growing audience.

Sincerely,

David L.

Healingwithart