a self- kindness challenge

07 Jul a self- kindness challenge

We were adding some ornaments to the Christmas tree last year when I noticed the bracelet that my mother was wearing. It simply said, KIND.

She bought it for a dollar at a Christmas boutique at my nephew’s elementary school. All the goods for sale were handmade by the students and were being sold for a fund-raiser.

I couldn’t resist it, it was just so precious, I remember her saying. Plus, she added, it’s a nice reminder for me to be extra-kind to people.

She was referring to times when she needed patience the most; when she might say something out of frustration or anger and needed to keep kindness at the front of her mind.

What about reminding yourself to be KIND to yourself, Mom? What about just going easy on yourself and giving yourself just the kind of kindness you want to show others? I asked.

She had never thought of it.

And I’m pretty sure that for many of us it’s the same. We just don’t think of it and I think it’s time we did.

Here’s a little challenge for you this week:

Every time you say something to yourself that’s disparaging or hopeless, or just plain hurtful, ask yourself if you would say those same words to anyone else. this is just a just a simple way to observe the negative self-talk you might be falling into. Would you say those same things to ANYONE but yourself? My guess is not. So then, it’s time to bite your own tongue and replace those mean words with KIND ones. Treat yourself as you would treat your own child or your friends or family.

When you put your words through that filter, you’ll better your chances of being KIND to you and that’s the whole point here; to learn how to simply be more KIND to yourself.

Are you up for the challenge?