Be Kind as You Grow

In the past couple of months, we've been talking a lot about Positive Self-Talk and Positive Affirmations and how they help us make the changes we want to see in our lives. (Check out our Positive Self-Talk post if you haven't already!) Being kind to ourselves is vital for personal development, yet seasons of growth or change are times in which it's so easy to be hard on ourselves. I can't tell you how many times I've been learning a new skill, trying a new hobby, or starting a new job and find myself at the point of tears because I’m so frustrated by how long it's taking me to "get it." Not to mention the times I'm trying to form healthier habits and I end up berating myself for ordering take out one too many times or missing too many workout sessions. I can't be the only one, right?

So let's take this situation and look at it from another perspective like we did with positive self-talk. Imagine that a child you love is trying something new. Maybe it's baseball, painting, dance, or even math team! Their first big event or project happens, and they don't do as well as they wanted. What would you say to this child? Would you scold them or make them feel less than because they weren't perfect on the first try? Of course not! Now, put yourself in that child's place.

Personal transformation is hard, people. Reaching new horizons requires leaving your comfort zone and that is never easy. You should be proud of yourself for pushing yourself in the first place! Celebrate small victories, learn from new mistakes. Above all, be kind to yourself.