August 1 - Kindness to Self

Day 212 of a year of Kindness
Kindness ambassador #13, Janet Lee, Florida artist and educator, found kindness in the mirror.

I have been kind and gentle to myself. Instead of looking in the mirror during yoga and cursing my arms, I wear a shirt that says, Be kind to yourself, so when I look in the mirror it's what I see.

I try not to rush from place to place because I know I am trying to appreciate the little moments these days. When I paint, I remind myself that it doesn't have to be a perfect representation of the thing and it becomes beautiful to me. When I want to cry, instead of stuffing it down, I sit and gently rest my head in my hands allowing the tears to come until the emotion eases. I do not criticize my thoughts. I allow them to come and go.

I remind myself that living is messy and I will never be perfect enough, thin enough, brilliant enough. But I can tilt my head and whisper hope to myself. I can pay attention to the hurt child inside me. I can listen to her very small voice and appreciate her for once. When I master this kindness to self thing, I will experience genuine kindness towards others. And they will see how I love myself and them at the same time.

Science of Kindness:
Research reveals that being kind to yourself during tough times reduces anxiety and depression, lowers stress hormones and boosts emotional resilience. Self-compassion helps you respond to setbacks with understanding rather than harsh self-criticism, which fosters stability and clarity. Unlike self-esteem based on achievement, self-compassion offers a stable sense of worth rooted in acceptance. @kindness @kindnessisfree @kindessmatters @selfcompassion