Just imagine how different the world could be if we all spoke to everyone with respect and kindness.
-Holly Branson
One of my tricks when life feels too busy and too overwhelming and just too much overall, is to ask myself what’s inside of my control and what’s outside of it. This often helps me to get rid of things I’m worried about that I simply don’t have any control over. It also helps me to refocus on the things that I do have control over. And within this space, I can focus on things like sending loving kindness towards myself and others, focusing on self-care and self-soothing activities that nurture my soul, to name just a few options to help me feel better in the moment.
Read on for some short, quick information on: things that are often within your control, things that are generally outside of your control, and self-care to help add more loving kindness into your life.
Here are some things that are often within your control:
- Your attitude
- How you treat others
- Feelings your feelings
- Prioritizing self-care
- Your effort
- What you let go of
- How you show up
- What you eat/drink
- How often you exercise
- How you treat your body as a whole
What else would you add to this list?
Thing that are generally outside of your control:
- How someone feels about you
- Life’s timing
- Getting older/time passing
- Your feelings, emotions and thoughts
- The past and how the future unfolds
- Someone else’s attitude
- How someone treats you
- The weather
- Getting sick or injured
What else would you add here?
Self-care to help add more loving kindness into your life:
- Talk to a therapist- to help process any blocks that are keeping you from accessing self-love
- Go for a walk- focus on the beauty that’s all around you (and within you too!)
- Do something creative that’s self-soothing and nurturing to your soul like coloring, a puzzle, legos, etc.
- Stretch your body, do yoga, etc.
- Notice and be mindful of the world around you by focusing on your five senses
- Journal about how you’re truly feeling internally right here and now
- Educate yourself on the concept of loving kindness
- Listen to a guided meditation, music, soothing sounds, an audio book or podcast or something else that you find relaxing
- Connect with dear friends and family, people who fill you up and send lots of loving kindness and compassion your way!
What other self-care ideas would you add to this list?
If you’re struggling right now, know that you’re not alone. Many people are struggling to find loving kindness with them for themselves and others. If you could use more support today, please reach out to your doctor or a therapist in your area (if you don’t have one already). Know that I’m thinking of you and sending lots of love and compassion your way!
