Self-Kindness Is Not Narcissism

You know you are practicing self-kindness when you can recognize the difference between making a bad decision and being a bad person. You understand that your worth is unconditional. 

Self-compassion is critical for healthy self-esteem and resilience. According to Ravi Shah, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Columbia University Medical Center, "There is a lot of discussions today about narcissism and its problems, but we do want people to have some healthy narcissism." 

Psychology Today states, healthy narcissism gives a "stable sense of self when things don't go well in life, whether it's a bad day, a loss in competition, or the loss of a job. If we lose our sense of self-worth during these challenges of life, we will have a hard time recovering."

The doctors are saying it is good for you to practice self-kindness! So what are you waiting for, do these three acts of self-kindness this week and see how amazing you can feel. 

1. Read an Inspiring Quote! Grab a 3x3 index card and write down this quote, "A flower doesn't think of competing with the flower next to it, it just blooms." Place it by your bedside, every day this week, read it when you wake up and right before you go to sleep at night. 
   
   
2. Smile Until Your Face Hurts! You can do this anywhere, driving to and from school, while taking a shower, while sitting in traffic, etc. Trust us, you will feel happier when you do it. 
   
   
3. Do Something Spontaneous and Fun! Here are some fun ideas: 

• • Run through the sprinklers
  • Turn on some music and dance
  • Throw a party for no reason
  • Lay in the grass and look at the night sky
  • Take a drive on a country road
  • Sing your favorite song as loud as you can
    
    

Until next time, be present, be thoughtful, be kind.