“The way you treat yourself sets the standard for others.”
We strive to be good people, to do unto others as you would have them do unto us.. but why do we forget to be kind to ourselves? Being our worst critic, talking to ourselves worse than we would ever speak to our worst enemies, and even negligent in our own health and safety.
So where do you begin? Sometimes the first step is taking a moment daily to be kind to yourself.
Here are ways you can start NOW.
Make time for yourself. Every day plan out some time for yourself and do something that brings you joy. You can go for a walk, journal, get a manicure, take a bath, or do something else that you love to do. Be kind to yourself by giving yourself some each day.
Be your own advocate. It’s good to constructively criticize ourselves but we can always let that inner voice be critical. That little voice can be quick to judge and ready with a put down. Our inner critic needs to be reminded to be kind and to be gentle to ourselves through our inner advocate. It’s the con and pro balance. Criticize first then uplift and advocate by recognizing something positive you did or learned through the experience. Balance.
Forgive yourself. If you have made a mistake or just quite didn’t meet the grade, show yourself kindness. Don’t start a continuous cycle of blaming yourself. Hold yourself accountable and resolve to do better. Forgive yourself.
Take care of yourself. One of the best ways to show yourself kindness is to take good care of yourself. Get enough sleep, eat enough fruits and vegetables, and get some form of exercise.
There’s only one person in the world you’ll always have a relationship with. You are stuck with you so love yourself, cherish yourself, and take excellent care of your mind, body, and spirit. You can live the best life by being kind to yourself.
