We Always Have a Choice - Mean or Kind

Although this book is written from the point of view of a ten-year-old, it is meant to speak to the child that still lives inside each of us.

The part of the brain responsible for decision making and understanding consequences does not fully develop until around the age of twenty-five. This is one of the many reasons childhood is so important. Some of us are forced to grow up quickly depending on the circumstances in which we are raised, and once we reach adulthood, many of us begin to focus only on ourselves.

The problem is that when we become self-centered or exclusive, we make it difficult for others to receive what they need. But imagine a world where we shifted that focus. What if we all made the choice to be kind, even to those who seem unkind?

No one comes into the world mean. Most of the time, there is something behind the behaviour. What if we paused to learn more before jumping to conclusions? In my own life, I have often encountered people who seem difficult or unkind. I have learned to listen first and only respond when they are open to hearing me.

Because most of the time, their actions are not really about us. They are about something much deeper inside of them.

Gloria Meyer lives in Hudson, Wisconsin, with her husband David and is currently the owner of a LearningRx Franchise that focuses on strengthening cognitive skills in the neural path of the brain that we all use to learn and remember.

Prior to LearningRx, she worked for over 30 years editing and formatting books and marketing materials in the twin cities of Minnesota and its surrounding suburbs. In addition, Gloria also worked as a youth minister during this time, teaching small groups and co-leading summer programming, retreats, and mission trips.

In 2006, Gloria returned to college to earn a BS in psychology, hoping to help struggling kids stay in school. She minored in creative writing and started an online blog at UWRF for students, encouraging them to speak up after a hate crime/suicide happened on campus. Her desire is to motivate, educate, and encourage individuals to work hard and learn to read, write, and comprehend in spite of the labels their differences may have earned them.

Donna Kopitzke is currently employed part time as a kitchen designer assistant at Hayes Cabinets in Woodland, Washington. Previously, she lived in Wisconsin and being a Green Bay Packer fan, even attended the "Ice Bowl" game with her dad. Donna enjoys doing cartoons: Christmas, birthday, or special occasion cards. She was employed as a graphic designer at American Express in Minneapolis before returning to college to receive her BAF from the University of Wisconsin-Stout, 2001. Donna enlisted as a NAVY WAVE during the 1960s Vietnam era, serving as a dental technician at the U.S. Marine Corp bootcamp at Parris Island, SC.