toddler cynthia on the prowl in a northern manitoba back yard
Yesterday, I put out a (not-so) little challenge to be purposefully nice. I have been noticing how lovely and kind and generous we all can be with other people and what a shame it is that our relationships with ourselves are not underlined by those same rules. You know, the rules about connection, care, compassion, and generosity that you follow in all of your relationships.
Bottom line is that I certainly don’t want to actively sign up to be a meanie, and least of all to myself. Is it possible that a few of you might also need to put the meanie-baneeny thoughts down and show yourself a little more love? You might try one of the ways did yesterday:
Be a respectful conversation partner. I was conscious about noticing what I was feeling and started having gentle conversations with myself about those feelings.
Ask questions. Playful, open, curious questions about what is important, what is needed and what is wanting.
Give permission. To really go and do the things my little heart was beating for, like: wandering around the gardens with my camera and dreaming up new subject matter for my next painting. No guilt allowed.
Who are you talking to? I reminded those meanie voices that I wouldn’t talk to anyone else like that, so that wasn’t going to work here, either. I dug out a toddler picture of me (above) and put it out on my desk: I certainly won’t be talking to her in those tones.
A big learning for me was about opening up. Really hearing and receiving kind words and actions from others blew out part of a wall over here! Gratitude. Gratitude. Gratitude.
I am starting to realize that marinating in purposeful kindness fills up the cupboard and leaves goodness spilling over and out. Imagine what we can do with all of that additional kindness!
P.S. Have you seen the kind n’ cool printable resources over at Kind Over Matter? Great tools to love yourself (and others) up!
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