Kindness to Myself & Others

Kindness to Myself & Others

I am participating in #BLOGCHATTERA2Z YEAR 2025 &  Blogging from A to Z Challenge!  A little kindness goes a long way—mainly when you aim it at yourself. I used to think kindness was all about other people. Smiling at strangers. Helping a friend move house (even though your back’s already plotting revenge), dropping everything when someone needs you. And don’t get me wrong, those things matter. But here’s what I missed for years: I was being kind to everyone… except myself.

It took me a while (and more than a few mental meltdowns) to realise this: self-compassion is not selfish. It’s survival. And it’s an art—one that gets better with practice.

So, what exactly is self-compassion?

It’s not standing in front of the mirror chanting affirmations while wearing a face mask—though hey, no judgment if that’s your thing.

Self-compassion means:

• Being gentle with yourself when things go wrong
• Speaking to yourself like you would to someone you love
• Knowing that being human includes messing up, falling apart, and forgetting why you walked into the room

(Especially the last one. Daily.)

My journey to being kinder… to me

In my post Project 2020 “Self-Love”, I shared how I began carving out time to simply be—without guilt, without explanation. That year cracked me open in all the best ways. It showed me I didn’t have to earn rest or justify joy.

And kindness? It started with small things:

• Not beating myself up over a bad day
• Letting myself not answer every call
• Enjoying a nap in the middle of the day and calling it “therapy”

Slowly, I stopped being my own worst critic and started becoming someone I could count on.

How to Practice Self-Compassion (Without Turning It Into a Full-Time Job)

Here’s what’s worked for me:

Talk to Yourself Like a Friend

Seriously. Next time you mess up, pause and ask: “What would I say if my best friend did this?” Then say it to yourself. Preferably without adding a guilt trip.

Let Yourself Feel It

You’re allowed to be upset, overwhelmed, or even completely off your game. Feel the feeling—don’t set up camp there.

Do One Kind Thing for Yourself Daily

Make your favorite meal. Ignore that email till tomorrow. Light a candle. Rewatch a show that makes you laugh. Be your own soft place to land.

Write It Out

Journaling helps. Even if it’s just “I’m tired and cranky and that’s okay.” It clears the emotional clutter.

Lower the Bar (Sometimes)

You don’t have to be the best. Or productive. Or perfect. You just have to be present and kind. Start there.

Kindness to Others Starts Within

When we stop fighting ourselves, we show up better for others. The more compassion I’ve extended inward, the more I’ve been able to give—without resentment, burnout, or expecting a thank-you card.

It’s like that famous line: “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” Well, my cup now includes naps, indulgence, boundaries, and saying no with a smile.

Final Thoughts

Kindness isn’t just something you offer the world—it’s something you owe yourself.

So be soft with your own story. Be patient with your pace. Be generous with your heart. The kinder you are to yourself, the more your world opens up in ways that feel honest, sustainable, and beautifully human.

And if all else fails? Start with a cup of chai, a deep breath, and a reminder: You’re doing your best. And that’s more than enough.

“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” – Buddha

The A2Z List

1. Awakening-Ignite your Spark
2. Bloom Bravely-Choose Courage & Self-love
3. Clear Mental Clutter for Growth
4. Rise with Determination
5. 8 Steps to Embracing Your True Essence
6. Finding Work-life Balance
7. Gratitude: Fuelling Growth with Thankfulness
8. Healing: Turning My Power into Pain
9. Inner strength: Awakening the warrior within
10. Joyful Living: Creating a Life of Joy & Purpose