Self Kindness – Cultivating new thoughts

Posted on by Miriam

As part of the Kindness Challenge the focus for week one was on self kindness and I must admit it didn’t come easily for me, at first.  But I was mindful, every day, and when my thoughts turned negative and threatened to take me down a rocky road I shifted my focus.  And reminded myself that if I’m to be any good to others I have to treat myself with kindness and compassion first.

So this is what I did this week to be kinder to myself:  In mind, body and spirit.

IN MIND:

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This journal is my new companion as I try and cultivate new ideas to put into action

I bought myself a new journal.  I’ve been keeping a Gratitude Journal for the past five years but this feels different. This notepad signifies a new beginning, a new phase for me as I move forward and try and find my direction and purpose based on reflections I’ll be writing for the next month, and hopefully beyond. Seeding and re-seeding my mind and spirit with opportunities for new things to think about. I’m so grateful to fellow blogger and lifestyle coach Zach from Strengths Life who’s inspired me on this journey.

Inside this notebook are my lost dreams, words of empowerment and daily gratitudes.  I’m excited for what lies ahead, even if I don’t quite know where I’m heading.   It feels right.

IN BODY

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Enjoying some Verbena tea after my blissful massage

Last Thursday I had a massage, the ultimate act of self kindness to my body.   I’ve had a gift voucher since Christmas and on Thursday I finally used it.  A massage of pure bliss … neck, back, shoulders, scalp and feet … all my worries temporarily rubbed into oblivion. It was absolute heaven and I succumbed to the pure joy it gave me.

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My faithful Harry leads me forwards

I walked Harry almost every day.  Moving forward and trying to keep my mind on the present as I walked, not allowing it to drift away into unnecessary worries.  I also went to my Zumba class on Wednesday which always leaves me energized, grounded and smiling.

Music is my absolute love and keeps me in the present moment providing inspiration and energy.  I have it on at home constantly as I go about my chores.   I’m trying to multi task less these days, concentrate more fully on whatever I’m doing.  Focusing more.

IN SPIRIT

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A new day, a new beginning

Every morning I stepped out onto my decking and watched the sun rise.  Breathing deeply and meditating, even just for a few minutes.  It’s calming to watch a new day begin.

New possibilities on the horizon and a reminder that in a fresh day lies renewed opportunities.  And that our acts of kindness, however tiny, can make a difference, to ourselves and others around us, every single day.

Be kind to yourself, dare to daydream in your mind, take care of your body and nurture your soul.  And then watch the ripple effect take shape.

Let’s all go and spread some kindness and make this a better world.

88 thoughts on “Self Kindness – Cultivating new thoughts”

    1. Oh wow, Carolina, I’m so honored. Thank you so much. You know how much I love your blog as well. As I said on your post, you’ve just made my Sunday, and month! 🙂

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        1. I will Carolina. I feel as though this month is one of change and moving forward for me. And you’ve just added to that, so thank you. You have a great month as well. xo 🙂

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  5. And you thought mine was honest and open. Right back at you and what a place you live in!! So envious of the views. Oh…envy…not mindful…stuff that…they are beautiful 😊

    Very pleased to be part of your community and thank you for sharing such a wonderful post on the challenge. It’s inspired me not to leave next weeks to the last minute !!!!

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  11. Great to see that you had a great first week of the Kindness Challenge! Hope week 2 goes just aswell. I’m taking part aswell, looking forward to it!

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  14. How I wish I could afford a massage right now! It would do wonders for me but I can’t justify the cost no matter how much I want it. I love your notebook, but I have an unnatural love for all sorts of paper, notebooks, journals… I have a lot of trouble resisting those things! There’s a beautiful shop here that I cannot walk into because I will spend like a crazy woman!

    Okay, this comment has nothing to do with kindness. I started writing something more but I don’t want to ruin the mood of your post!

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    1. That’s okay, I love notebooks too actually. I have so many of them lying around but still went out and bought a new one because I just had an idea in my head of what I wanted … so you’re not alone there. As for that gift massage I was so grateful because I probably wouldn’t be able to justify spending the money on myself. Maybe you should drop some hints for your next birthday, or anniversary, or whatever … 🙂

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  15. Miriam!!! What a beautiful post! This is so incredibly mindful of yourself! I love that you broke it down and have particular areas of focus, that will help so much with your mindfulness journey you’re on! I looooove your new journal! You know I love your little furry companion, such a sweetheart! He’ll surely keep you in the moment on your lovely walks together! Can’t wait to see what week 2 brings! ❤

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  18. It’s great to treat ourselves with love before we move on to others. I too love watching sunrise, it’s beautiful way of Nature to fill us with enthusiasm for the day.
    You started gratitude Journal 5 years back!!! You are very kind, dear lady. I joined this lovely group of people only recently and thank GOD for every good thing happened everyday however small it is.:)

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    1. I’m not always so kind but I do try and be grateful, sometimes it slips through but writing daily reminds me of what I have, however small. Have a lovely week ahead Mann 🙂

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  19. Getting the right balance isn’t easy, always a work in progress, and I like your mindful approach to trying to find it! (Mind you, personally, I’d run a mile from the massage, typical bloke…)

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  20. I love your new journal! Those colors are lovely! For me, they signify hope, cheer, grace, peace, growth, and a bit of serenity too. The pattern tells me energy and optimism. I think you are going to fill that journal with so much of your heart!

    Good for you for the massage! (and a bit of envy too, lol!) You deserve to feel good, to feel taken care of, and relaxed. *hugs* ❤

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  21. Good to hear you are prioritising yourself. The morning dawning on the deck is lovely. And I am with you on having Music while working around the house – I love that too. Miriam, thanks for the reminders of what we should all try to be doing.

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  25. Miriam, I felt your kindness when I read your post. There are three women in my life that I use as my “kindness” models. Whenever I am unsure what to say or do, I ask what these women would do. My daily goal is to be a kinder person than I was yesterday. It’s a little harder than I thought it would be. Thanks for your thoughts.

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  28. Simply gorgeous Miriam! I love reading these inspiring posts your are writing on gratitude, mindfulness and kindness. They are fantastic! I had never thought about this topic until I took my first yoga class. That was two years ago and although I can’t practice yoga lately due to neck and hip issues that I’ve been sorting out I still practice these beliefs in my spirit. Keep writing my dear!

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    1. Thanks Nicole, shame you can’t practice yoga anymore but you’re right, you can still cultivate these feelings in your mind and spirit. And through all your inspiring travels. Have a wonderful week. ♥

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      1. Thanks Miriam. I’m glad the weekend is here. It is just wonderful weather. I love it. The birds are singing and the sun is warm.For some reason, I don’t feel very productive or creative but I decided to just enjoy being. 🙂

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