World Kindness Day

It feels so good to be kind. It’s so simple to do. It’s often the smallest of gestures that mean so much to a friend, family member or indeed, a complete stranger. A reassuring smile to someone who’s held you up whilst parking their car; a text to a friend who’s having a difficult time; a gentle touch to the arm of a colleague who seems a bit low. The little things are so easy to do and yet mean so much.


But kindness all starts with ourselves. The world is a mirror of our mood.

Do you notice that when you are feeling irritable or down, then you think everyone else you come into contact with is not being very friendly? Or when you are feeling smiley and light, you notice everyone responds to you in the same way? It’s the same with kindness - the kinder you are to yourself, the kinder you will feel and naturally be towards others.


Many of us have deep self-conscious beliefs that it’s somehow selfish to be kind to ourselves. We’ve grown up with this idea and it’s a hard one to shift! As a starting point, make some tiny changes in your life so that you can cultivate kindness.

Our top tips:

1. Stop with the ‘should’! I should be making dinner right now, I should be doing xyz….. Either do it or don’t do it! Relax! Enjoy your kids, the peace, your book.
2. Give yourself some recognition. We are so good at complimenting our friends and family on their accomplishments but do the same for yourself. Tell yourself ‘go me, I was awesome today’ and then notice how that makes you feel.
3. Forgive yourself. We all make mistakes or say things we wish we hadn’t. It will eat you up if you don’t forgive yourself and move on.
4. Set an intention each morning. By setting an intention, you are giving yourself a purpose and something to be proud of at the end of the day. Even something as simple as ‘today is going to be awesome’.
5. Talk to yourself. Say soothing words as you would to a friend; tell yourself that each moment is temporary and fear will pass. It’s your achievements that are permanent!

We’re not experts - I’m not sure anyone is! But no one is perfect; you are the perfect version of you and everyone is doing the best they can. Just remember...