We always strive to be kind to others. Whether that be friends, family or strangers (well, not all of them) but we always forget to be kind to the most important person of all – ourselves.
With everything that has happened over the last nearly two years. You know, getting locked away from the outside world, some have forgotten to show kindness to others. Consideration from some people has seemed to have gone out the window. Selfishness seems to have really crept into our society of late and it’s not pleasant.
Because of this, and I know it’s near the end of the calendar year and I shouldn’t be making resolutions yet, but I want to aim to be kind and gentle to myself and make it a regular task. It doesn’t cost a thing to be kind, especially to yourself.
One of the times I should grasp the opportunity is when I’m having a bad day. Bad days can usually mean me being incredibly hard on myself. For example, not ticking off everything on my to-do list or if something goes wrong and it makes me feel shitty about myself. I need to let go of those expectations and accept that not all days are going to be good. Especially with my life. However, I am somebody who is all for sharing the crappy stuff online (not completely everything, a line has to be drawn!) and show to others that it’s more than ok to have a bad day. Not all days are going to be unicorns and roses.
Being kind to myself doesn’t just have to be associated with having a bad day. It can coincide with confidence and, more importantly, self-esteem.
Now, I am most certainly a woman who struggles to see the good things in myself. I can look at myself in the mirror after getting ready and immediately feel the urge to criticise my body.
“My stomach looks bloated”
“How flat is my arse?!”
“I could button these jeans up yesterday so what’s happened since then?!”
Well, you get the idea.
I need to start being kinder to my body and its appearance. I’m going to go all cliche on your arses now and say that all bodies are perfect and we should embrace our flaws because that’s what we have and should accept that…
Well, it’s true though, isn’t it?!
Spreading kindness to yourself is key. It can really have a detrimental effect on your mental health if you are completely negative about yourself. I know some of you who may be reading this may struggle with this. I totally get that. I’ve been there and bought the t-shirt numerous times, but I want to get out of that mindset and be kind to myself regularly and not automatically look for the negatives. That’s not a good mindset and outlook for me to have – and it wouldn’t do you any good either.
A little kindness, whether that be to yourself or others, can go such a long way. Just saying one kind word to yourself on a regular basis can help so much. It can be something as simple as using post-it notes with kind words written on them darted about your desk or door. It could be saying a kind word to yourself whilst looking in the mirror. Using affirmation cards with kind quotes and words on them can be a winner!
Just remember guys, we’ve had an atrocious couple of years, remember to be kind to yourself. The difference it can make to your outlook on yourself and life is exceptional. I know it has done for me.
