Be Kinder to Yourself …..

“KINDNESS BEGINS WITH ME” …..

In order to feel balanced we require our individual needs to be met. When our needs are not being met it is easy to become resentful and miserable.

Your needs are just as important as anybody else’s and sometimes you need to put your own needs before the needs of others. Taking care of your own needs isn’t being selfish, it’s what I call ‘Selfing’. Practicing Selfing regularly will enable you to value yourself whilst taking care of those who need you.

Ways to begin Selfing …..

Start spending time with people who uplift you.

These are the people who encourage you and make you feel more alive, who love and appreciate you just as you are, unconditionally.

Start being polite to yourself.

If you had a friend who spoke to you in the same way that you sometimes speak to yourself, how long would you allow that person to be your friend? The way you treat yourself sends out a message to others and sets the standard for how they treat you.

Start living in the present.

This moment is the only moment guaranteed to you. This moment is all we really have. Yesterday is a memory, Tomorrow is a projection of your thoughts.

Practice being in the moment, focus your attention on whatever you are doing in any given momemt. The present moment is safe because, within it, you are coping.

Start listening to your gut feelings.

Follow your own intuition. Be true to yourself. Say whatever you need to say. Do what you know in your heart is right.

Start paying attention to your stress level and take short breaks.

Give yourself permission to slow down. Breathe deeply. When you’re at your busiest, a short break can rejuvenate your mind and increase your efficiency.

Start concentrating on the things you can control.

Devote your time to changing the things that are within your control. Wasting your time and emotional energy on things that are beyond your control is pointless and only leads to increased frustration.

Start appreciating your current wealth.

Wealth is not all about money. Henry Thoreau said, “Wealth is the ability to fully experience life.” Even when times are hard it helps to keep things in perspective. Remember the everyday things you do have. You are not starving. You have access to clean drinking water. You don’t sleep outside. You have a choice of clean clothes to wear each day. You have access to medical care. You have access to the Internet. You can read and write. There are Some who would say that you are incredibly wealthy. Remind yourself to be grateful for all the things you do have.

When you learn to become your own best friend life becomes easier.

Jacqueline