Trying a new look for the Life's A Chibi series, going for more of a "Chibi Model" feel.

Being nice and kind is hard. Being it as part of your who you are is harder. If you are kind and generous by default, you tend to do a lot of things for other people because you like to spread joy and happiness to others. You think about others more than you think about yourself. You wish to be the reason why people have a smile on their face. Seeing that smile is your personal reward that you have done something positive to someone's life and it fills you with vigor and pride. However, one should protect themselves from being too generous and kind to others. There are people out there who would take advantage of others just to get what they want - abusing the person's kindness for their selfish goals. Knowing the other person is a generous type, they would slowly milk the kindness out of them until they completely break down. They would treat the other like a doormat - stepping on them in order to get something they want. This leaves the one who wishes to be generous and giving completely drained and emotionally exhausted; sometimes still keeping the other happy even though they are being abused, but still wishes to please - not having a backbone to stand strong or defend themselves.

For those who love to be generous, caring and hospitable to others and those you love, make sure you know your limits and know when you are treated poorly by others. Don't fall victim to their manipulation just so they continue to use you to get what they want while leaving you hanging to dry. If you feel like you are just being used for another's personal and selfish gains without getting any respect, credit or positivity, speak up. You have better people to share your positivity with than those who just wish to use it for their own goals. Be kind, be generous, be positive. But remember to protect yourself. You can't give positivity if you have no more to give to yourself.

artwork © 2021 Alex Cockburn