Inspirational
Treat Yourself with Kindness: 10 Ways to Turn Self-Negativity Around
by Jennifer Bonn
Nick Jonas’ song “Gut Punch” hit me hard, because I can be hard on myself as well. When you see someone who seems to have it all struggling with the negative thoughts most of us have, it drives home the fact that we all have to work harder on our intrusive thoughts and be kinder to ourselves.
I have struggled with those thoughts my whole life, but along the way I have developed a few tricks to switch my thinking from negative to positive. Here are ten that work for me.
1. Remember who you are. Don’t be ashamed of your accomplishments. What some might call bragging could inspire others, and those accomplishments don’t have to be awards and accolades. It could be kindness, grit, or being a good friend. When you start to tear yourself down, start going through the list of what makes you special.
2. Realize someone else might need to see a good role model, so spread positivity being who you are.
3. Find laughter through funny moments on screens, laughter with friends, or remembering funny memories.
4. Adopt an attitude. Decide today is not the day your thoughts are going to take control of you. Choose to give yourself grace.
5. Make a mantra. Have a positive sentence about yourself that you can repeat until you believe it. An example is strong, smart, kind.
6. Replace negative thoughts with positive ones.
7. Have a growth mentality. You might not know how to do something today, but you will learn.
8. Know you limit yourself with negative thoughts. I can’t move forward with defeating thoughts.
9. Take time every day to shut off the noise. Heal, take a break, and find the quiet.
10. Find what soothes you. Music, creative outlets, running, walking, swimming, watching movies, and gardening are all possibilities.
About the Author
Jennifer Bonn is the author of 101 Tips To Lighten Your Burden and a variety of other books including five children’s books, two self-help, a running book, and a romance. She is currently working on a series of books with quick tips for writers, teachers, parents, and runners. Jen taught French for 40 years, is an avid runner, and a parent of three. Visit her online at www.Jenniferswriting.org.
I was happy to see this in my email this morning. I am presenting a four part virtual meetup this month on kindness based on the book, The Kindness Challenge: Thirty Days to Improve Any Relationship by Shaunti Feldhahn, (2016.)
It will be Saturdays, April 4, 11, 18, and 25, 10 to 11:30 AM Pacific Time.
These are great tips; kindness isn’t just for others. Treating ourselves with kindness is a wonderful healer. Thanks for sharing this.
If anyone wants to attend my event:
https://www.meetup.com/embrace-happiness/events/314027539/?eventOrigin=home_next_event_you_are_hosting