“Kindness is the greatest wisdom.” ~ Author Unknown
Mostly when we think of kindness, we think of how we can act towards others. But today I want to focus on another equally important type of kindness – that which we extend to ourselves.
The beginning of the year is an opportune time for setting up some positive habits to make our journey through life a little easier. Too often we forget ourselves in the hurry and bustle of the year, and many sensitive souls get so busy looking after others that they forget to look after themselves at all.
Why not yet 2013 be your year of aware self care?
Here are ten simple acts of kindness you can give as gifts to yourself:
1. Eat well – a simple, nourishing home-cooked meal eaten slowly and with appreciation – to replenish your body and comfort your soul. If there’s no time for cooking, have some healthy take-out options already thought through so that you don’t succumb to junk. (Pictured below is my 5 Minute Cheesy Grilled Mushrooms)
2. Say no when you’re too tired. No-one can run on adrenalin forever. Honour your feelings and your own needs. Listen to your heart. Let yourself rest. Replenish those batteries. * Good advice here: Are you too nice?
3. Indulge in some self-maintenance. Get your hair cut, have a massage, update your wardrobe or make that appointment with the doctor or dentist. For more info try 8 Ingredients for Better Health
4. Move your body! We were designed to move, and exercise is good for the body, mind and spirit. Choose an activity or sport that you enjoy, or simply go for a walk.
5. Read a book. Self-help, romance, educational, escapism, fantasy or non-fiction. Reading is a wonderful way to take some time for yourself, to relax or to give yourself a mental stretching session.
6. Make time for the things that you enjoy. Indulge your hobbies, and connect with like-minded people who share your interests.
7. Spend some real time with people (and creatures) you love! Friends, family, pets – everyone who loves us and who makes us feel good about ourselves. Social isolation is an insidious thing – facebook and texting can’t make up for that special energy of meeting up face to face for love, hugs, and laughs.
8. Spend a little time dreaming… Dreams aren’t just for kids. Everybody needs a dream. Try this great journalling activity: Writing Yourself into a Brighter Future
9. Hang out in nature. Spend the day or a week! Feel the sun at your back, the wind in your hair, the rain on your skin. Let nature fill you up and get you grounded again. Read more here: The Healing Power of Nature
10. Ask for help. Sometimes we just can’t do it on our own. And sometimes we just don’t know what to do or where to start. On the days when we’re wrung out and hanging on by our fingernails, there will be someone out there who cares and is in a place where they can extend that guidance and support to you. Asking for help is one of the greatest acts of kindness we can give ourselves. There’s more on this here: Sometimes your only job is to ask for help
You are worthy, beautiful, and you deserve love and kindness. Most of all, you need it from yourself. They way we treat ourselves sets the tone in the wider Universe for how we expect to be treated. And our expectations have a way of manifesting… Choose kindness!
Bless ♥ xx
I didn’t know what to do with it, but after reading your post about lime disease, this popped up:
http://www.nytimes.com/1993/09/08/health/an-insidious-poison-lurks-in-some-fish.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm
I don’t know exactly why it came, i don’t think it is any thing related to your suffering.
oh dear love, do you know how EVERY single client I EVER meet we talk about this? SELF COMPASSION!!! Yes! Thank you for your ideas (and the fun images that go along!). This might sound crazy, because a lot of folks would just assume I love being outside, and I do…but I often forget to really jsut BE in nature! I’m on a walk and wanting to exercise or doing yoga outside or running around w/ the kiddos. But the other day — going on a nature walk w/ the kiddos in the woods RIGHT BY OUR HOUSE, I was reminded of how I have to do this, for my soul, every week. Every few days. Love how you are encouraging self-compassion, self-care, nurturing ourselves. Love to you from across the world! Lisa http://www.barefootbarn.com
Thank you for all the wonderful ideas.
Love this Nicole!! Thank you 🙂
Great advice that everyone can use & do! I do all of that! I so agree here! 🙂
Such good advice for all of us. Thanks Nicole.xx
Hi Nicole it’s just like the demo on the flights isn’t it?! “Fit your own mask before assisting others!” A great message for the Light Worker Team. Let’s cherish one heart at a time starting with our own. Many thanks and Love and big hugs Julia
I like that analogy, you can’t do much for anyone else if you’re a wreck yourself. Such simple suggestions Nicole, but so easy to forget, thank you for the reminder.
Thank you, again.
If I can just hold onto life a little longer, I will definitely cherish your writings everyday.
They bring tears to my eyes, but only because you make me want to live.
x
Hang on, sweetheart! Life can be hard, and sometimes we wonder if it will ever get better, but I promise you it can, and it will. Holding you in my thoughts and prayers, and sending much love to you. Bless xx
And this, for you:
http://cauldronsandcupcakes.com/2012/05/17/youre-not-alone/
Really good advice! It is so easy to forget to be kind to yourself and so easy to be it to others. Thanks for remind me <3
I feel you wrote this for me, thank you x
I must have then! Be kind to you, and take good care, Ros. Much love, Nicole xx
What a wise way to start the new year. Happy new year to you!
And to you Emmy! May it be a terrific year for you and your family. Bless xoxo
Hi Nicole!
Thanks so much for reminding me to be EXTRA kind to myself — 2013 will be all about getting my health back and pampering my body & soul. I’ve bookmarked your Cheesy Grilled Mushrooms recipe, have written down all the ingredients, and will try it out very soon… with a glass of red wine.
Happy Magical New Year, my lovely friend.
Bless you!!!
PEACE & LOVE
Grateful Mudd 🙂
xoxoxoxoxoxox
Oh yes, Mudd – cheesy grilled mushrooms and red wine = heaven!!!
Wishing you a 2013 blessed with health, laughter, love, abundance and a truckload of creative magic,
Lots of love, Nicole
xoxoxoxoxo
Thanks Nicole. . .have ‘pinched’ that last pic. . .lotsa luv marilynxxxx
It’s a beauty, isn’t it! 🙂
How awesome Nicole! This is a wonderful post! Thanks! 🙂
Thank you, and Happy New Year to you. May it be filled with love and kindness. Bless xx
Thank you! Happy New Year to you too! 🙂