Try some gentleness
Here are twelve ways to be gentle with yourself today. Which one are you going to try? Hit reply and let me know. Remember: self-love starts with just one different choice.
1. Be gentle with your muscles: As you read this, stretch your neck out by circling it around gently, or roll your shoulders out.
2. Be gentle with your heart: If you’re feeling a difficult emotion, put your hand on your heart and say, “I know this is hard. I’m here for you.”
3. Be gentle with your mental load: Unapologetically strike one thing off your to-do list.
4. Be gentle with your eyes: If you’re able, go for a walk and enjoy looking around at the world around you.
5. Be gentle with your brain: When you start feeling frazzled or overwhelmed, pause and take a five minute break. You’ll be far better equipped to deal with your challenge afterward.
6. Be gentle with your goals: Ask yourself, how could I approach this task or goal in a more joyful or kind way?
7. Be gentle with your loved ones: Send a loving text to someone who matters to you. You're not separate from them; when you do this, it brings gentleness to you, too.
8. Be gentle with your needs: Ask for help with what you need, using a phrase like, “I would love your help right now. Could you please do [task] by [deadline]?”
9. Be gentle with your humanity: When you make a mistake, instead of saying “I’m an idiot,” say “Oops, that happened!”
10. Be gentle with your wants: Think, “What would I love to eat right now?” Make or buy it, and most importantly – let yourself really savor it.
11. Be gentle with your evenings: Tonight, turn off your phone earlier than usual, using that time to read a book or watch a movie.
12. Be gentle with your expectations: If you don’t get to everything today, let yourself off the hook. Say: “I don’t need to do it all. I just need to show up and keep trying."
The Definitive Guide to Happiness
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