What does kindness mean to you?  When you hear somebody supporting another, what is your reaction?  How would you feel about making a mistake, but then supported by those around you with genuine kindness? How do your friends around you respond to your kindness, your interest, your care and your non judgemental listening ear?

I would say that when speaking to yourself with kindness, you feel able to push on and do the harder things.  I think that a kind word to oneself is supportive and gives one the encouragement to try again.  Kindness is about acknowledging too the wins.  Kindness is about being absolutely genuine and accepting.  

Kindness for me is about a deep and real care for others – and being able to afford that same respect to myself.

Try it on!  When you are speaking to yourself in ways that are judgemental or dismissive or diminishing – be kind.  Take note of the good stuff that you are doing; take note of the progress you continue to make; take note that you CAN do the hard stuff; take note that YOU are very worthy as you are.   Take note that you do have the inner resources to respond positively to situations, to be able to tolerate difficulties and to bounce back from events that are outside of your control.

Being kind to yourself enables you to thrive, to be robust, resilient and confident.  It is also the greatest stepping stone to good and real friendships. 

Being kind acknowledges your worth that is a part of you – as opposed to the feeling that you only measure up in comparison to something outside of yourself.  Being kind to yourself, and to others, recognises our unique way of being.  

Be kind!