Tips for Self-Kindness

Being kind to our self is vital to our overall wellbeing. Yet reminding ourselves of that fact often eludes us. One way we can be kind to ourselves is to monitor the voice in our head. Too often, we hear a harsh voice criticizing us for not doing or being enough. That voice, instead of focusing on where we are at this moment in time, whips into a judgmental discourse about what we used to be able to do or compares us to others.  But this is NOW and for any number of factors, we are wise to accept that fact with compassion, grace and gratitude.

So be kind.  Allow what is to be what it is.
Begin by practicing self-compassion. The rest will take care of itself.

If we allow ourselves to see ourselves as we are, perhaps tired, overwhelmed, sad, despondent, or frightened, we will likely be less harsh and even, hopefully, compassionate.  When this happens, we are more likely to find a way to recognize where we are. Then we can take care of ourselves in meaningful ways, finding encouragement to move on, whatever that means or wherever that brings us.

We can allow what we feel to be okay.  We can accept and appreciate our humanity; see ourselves as part of a larger world where others feel similarly.  Sometimes we cannot imagine being beyond feeling overwhelmed. If we are dealing with an illness or impairment or disability, we can quickly lose hope that we will ever feel better or return to “our life”. When we allow ourselves to be okay with a feeling of recognizing where we are at this moment, and that it is temporary, we are more likely to tap into our positive inner resources to deal with whatever is waiting.