It seems to me that certain people are put on our path to remind us to be loving and kind.

Most recently I found this to be true when I recognized that a particular person’s behavior was annoying me. I found that I responded by criticizing and judging this person.

This person’s behavior has been very “loud” to me over the past few months. I don’t really know this person very well but our paths seem to cross, and each time I noticed that her behavior stood out enough to make me ask myself, “Why is this person’s behavior bothering me so much?” Then for a startling moment I realized that her behavior felt familiar to me.

In my life I have made a conscious decision not to engage with people who exhibit toxic behavior. I stay away from toxic behavior because it is unhealthy for me. Getting angry only keeps me engaged, so I made a conscious decision to change my focus and send love and kindness instead.

The stunning revelation I had the other day helped me realize that the very person whose behavior I did not like served as my reminder to be loving and kind.

This realization–that simple reminder–allowed me to be kinder and more forgiving to others, while at the same time allowing me to feel more in balance and more loving toward myself.