The Importance of Self-Kindness
Imagine that you get a phone call from your best friend and discover she’s distraught. She’s had a bad day, messed up something really important, or is simply worried about a pending situation.
Regardless of what’s put her in this state, chances are you immediately go into comfort mode. You crack a joke to cheer her up, remind her that everyone makes mistakes (and share some of your worst ones), or you simply offer to give her a hug and a shoulder to cry on.
Whatever you choose to do, it no doubt includes a healthy dose of kindness.
Now imagine that the friend I’m talking about is actually yourself. Would you react the same way? Probably not. The truth is, when it comes ourselves we’re not always as good with kindness as we are with the other people in our lives. But we should be!
Self-kindness means taking the same actions and reactions (such as empathy, understanding, and encouragement) and applying them towards ourselves as readily as we apply them towards others.
Sadly, too many of us have misconceptions when it comes to self-kindness and therefore, avoid it at all costs. Some think that it’s a sign of weakness, while others think it’s selfish or overly indulgent. There seems to be this idea that if we let ourselves off the hook, it will hinder us in some way in the long run. Maybe we will become spoiled or lazy.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
Next Page: Filling Your Emotional Bucket and Seven Ways to Show Self-Kindness
