The Kindness in Action Program can help you reduce stress, improve life balance, communicate effectively, create kinder environments, and much more. At the core of the program are 12 action steps with tools associated with each. Each tool creates more purpose and connection in your life.
Today, I want to go into detail on Action Steps 7, 8 and 9.
STEP SEVEN: Let Go
Let go of situations, patterns of behavior or thoughts in your life that do not serve you.
Letting go begins with the recognition that a belief, thought or judgment is not serving us in a positive way, and not allowing us to be our best self. This isn’t always easy and takes bravery. When we start to let go of what we can’t control and focus on what we can control, we are able to access our inner strengths, talents and gifts, and find gratitude.
Dealing with COVID-19 the last few months has allowed me to practice letting go of fear. Watching the news or listening to others share their fears would leave me scared and anxious. I knew that a fearful mindset would impact my motivation, my sleep and my ability to be a good therapist.
My solution was to do everything I could to keep safe from the virus: wear a mask, wash my hands, social distance, make donations, and continue to offer free counseling consultations to others in need.
These practical steps were important, but the most vital thing I could do was making sure that whatever was happening, it did not take away my peace of mind. I also practiced self-care through meditation, prayer and doing heart-opening visualizations, as well as feeling connection and love with family and friends.
It gave me great comfort to know that I was doing everything within my power to keep myself and others safe and peaceful. When the fear would creep back, I would once again focus on what I could influence and let go of the thoughts around the unknown.
STEP EIGHT: Express Gratitude and Appreciation
Have gratitude and appreciation for the blessings and love in your life.
Gratitude is the action of stopping to acknowledge and give thanks for the wonderful blessings, gifts, people and situations we have received. Whether it is a wonderful meal, a sunset, a call from a friend or an inner strength such as your courage, determination, or kindness.
Appreciation is a deep feeling of love for who we are, for all things, all beings, an experience of oneness and connection.
Being grateful, expressing thanks, and feeling appreciation can turn a thought or shift a mood from negative to positive instantly.
I practiced this with my thoughts around the George Floyd situation. I started to get angry about inhumanity and cruelty in the world. I was judgmental about the insensitive racism that we face everyday, my own awareness of my white privilege, and how we created racism as a construct for keeping people down and separated.
Then I paused, acknowledged my anger, and started to think about all the amazing people in the world. I was grateful for the people who work hard, love their families, try to do what is right, give back, and help others. I felt a deep appreciation for the rich and diverse cultures of our planet. I opened my heart to knowing that we are all children of God.
Through this gratitude, I have left anger and judgment behind, replacing it with love and learning more about how we can heal.
STEP NINE: Practice Taking Care of Yourself
There are many things we can do to take care of ourselves. The first thing that often comes to mind is exercise. While exercise is an important part of self-care, true self-care encapsulates the Mind, Body and Spirit. This includes working on a positive Mindset, doing healthy things for the Body whether it be nutrition, exercise, baths, or accessing Spirit through meditation, prayer, nature, music, etc.
In addition, coming from a place of inward compassion and gentleness is one of the most loving forms of self-care. We practice this by being gentle and patient with ourselves, showing ourselves love and compassion. You can also replace critical self-talk with positive self-talk such as” “I am doing my best.” “I am kind and compassionate.” “I am a good mom.” “I am a hard worker.” “I care.” When you replace your negative self-talk with loving self-talk, you feel better, have more energy, and start to lead from your strengths and gifts, while treating yourself and others in a kinder way.
Visit my blog to review the other Kindness in Action Steps. And stay tuned for a breakdown of Steps 10-12, coming soon!
