If You Can Be Anything, Be Kind, Especially to Yourself!

Have you ever had one of those weeks where you had a bunch of deadlines, and you had everything planned out, then life happened? I had one of those last week. Starting a business while working a full-time job is tough. You need to be organized and set goals, and plan when you are going to do everything. It really helps to keep you on track. I had been doing pretty well, but then last week, it fell apart.

I had a couple of psychological reports due, and I had to get them written, but one thing after another happened. I can’t let the job that pays the bills go by the wayside, but what should I do? I can’t not follow through on the commitments I made to myself. Or can I?

A few years ago, I would have powered through to the detriment of my health, or I would have beaten myself up for not following the plan. I’ve been working hard at not beating myself up anymore, and I’m doing pretty well. I’ll tell you it feels a lot better when you are kind to yourself. I decided it would be best to rearrange my plans. I got everything that HAD to be done finished. I got as much extra stuff done that I could comfortably complete.

That said, writing my blog was one of the things that got pushed to the side. I had spent hours at the computer writing reports. My eyes were tired, and I was having a hard time focusing on the screen. I gave myself permission to let it slide. I could’ve made myself crazy, but I made a choice not to, and yes, it is a choice. The world was not going to end if my blog didn’t get written. Perhaps there was someone that missed it, but probably not. If I had forced myself to do something, the product would have been crap. So, I made a choice.

We put too much pressure on ourselves. We beat ourselves up; we are unkind to ourselves. In many cases, we treat ourselves in ways we would never treat another person. Kindness to self is one of the most important lessons I have learned. I want to pass it along to you. Hold yourself to high standards but do so with empathy and kindness. When you do, life is sweeter. Your days are filled with ease and comfort. Choose to be kind. You will be glad you did.

In Gratitude,

Karen