From boosting self-esteem to better connecting with others, showing yourself kindness is vital to a happy life
In the whirlwind of life, we often forget to extend kindness to the most crucial person: ourselves. But why does it matter? To illustrate the importance of being kind to oneself, I would like to borrow a phrase from Dr Wayne Dyer: “If you want to give someone six oranges one has to have six oranges. Equally, if you want to give love, kindness or compassion, you have to own it yourself.”
How can we give genuine love, care or compassion to our fellow man if we do not have these qualities ourself. Being kind to yourself is not selfish. It is a prerequisite for an authentic lifestyle and ultimately happiness. Apart from this very profound statement, there are many more benefits to our lives than meets the eye. Let’s explore these added benefits with a little poetic license…
Boosting Self-worth
When you treat yourself kindly, it’s like a gentle pat on the back that says “you matter” – and that matters more than we realise. Self-kindness reinforces our self-worth and reminds us that we’re not just spectators in our own story. It’s the little nudge that says, “Hey, you’re enough”. That nudge accumulates, like coins in a piggy bank, building healthy self-esteem.
Connecting with Others
Self-kindness isn’t a solo act; it’s a duet. When you’re gentle with yourself, you become an open invitation for friendship. It’s like a sign reading, “friendships found here”. Being kind to yourself spills over, creating kindness in others as well. We were originally wired as community dependent, but as life has moved on at breakneck speed, this is getting lost. When you’re gentle with yourself, you become a magnet for kindred spirits. It’s like finding your tribe in a crowded room.
Handling Life’s Curveballs
Life often throws curveballs – sometimes big Shot Puts. Self-kindness is your emotional umbrella. It’s not about dodging the meteors. It’s about standing tall, rain-soaked yet unyielding. When you practice self-kindness, you’re whispering to your own soul: “I’ve got your back”. That whisper echoes through the storm. Suddenly, you’re not just weathering difficulties; you’re dancing in the rain.
Curious emotions and mindfulness
Being mindful is like turning on a light in your emotional house. You pause, curious, “What’s going on here?”. It’s not about chasing away the shadows; it’s about understanding them. Kindness is like facing the light then your shadow falls behind you. It becomes your guide, a lantern in the dark. You navigate the stormy seas of feelings, acknowledging each wave. And guess what? You’re not lost; you’re exploring uncharted waters and you are the captain of your ship.
Acknowledging negative thoughts
We all have that inner critic – the one who critiques our dance moves, our life choices, and even our choice of breakfast cereal. But here’s the secret. Acknowledging negative thoughts is like turning on the bedroom lamp at night. Suddenly, the shadow retreats.
You say: “Ah, there is the thought that sometimes holds me back.” In that acknowledgment, you gain power. You’re not at the mercy of shadows; you’re the one holding the flashlight. Through self-kindness, you learn to tolerate your imperfections rather than scold yourself. You dance on even when your steps falter.
Personal pep talk
When that inner critic cranks up the volume, you can use mantras as a way to practice your kindness. These are simple phrases that you should repeat to yourself like well-worn sneakers. They become your own personal pep talk. Maybe your is “I see with love and joy, I now create a life I love to look at”.
Mantras aren’t magic spells; they’re reminders. It’s your personal cheerleader. You repeat it like a soothing piece of music.
So, dear reader, remember this: Self-kindness isn’t a luxury; it’s oxygen for your soul. Make sure you have plenty of it. You deserve to breathe easy.
