What is the kindest thing I could do for myself at this moment?
This was the question shared by another spiritual director with me a few weeks ago. I thought this was a wonderful question full of self-compassion, one that made me pause and consider what did I need most at that moment.
I was in a funk. Nothing horrible happened. No major disasters. Just a pile up of inconvenient disappointments and frustrations during a long dark winter of self-pity. The news and politics left me hopeless and cranky. Then I felt guilty feeling this way watching others with so many worse problems and deaths and illnesses and me just sitting here whining like a toddler. Poor me….
To be honest, I was even having difficulty praying. Anxiety ruled my quiet time more than peace.
So the question was asked, “What is the kindest thing I could do for myself at this moment?”
Great question. Tender. Compassionate. A small dose of self-care.
After dinner that night I reconsidered the question and knew the answer – an early bedtime. The overly tired toddler inside of me needed her rest. I heated up the electric blanket. Got into my coziest pajamas and climbed under the covers the earliest time in years. Now at my age I don’t sleep continuously, but I did stay in bed quite a few hours and woke up feeling much better in the morning. Yes, a very kind thing to do for my soul and just what I needed at the moment. I felt God gave me the gift of rest and quiet and an invitation to come on home once again into His arms of peace.
I am going to remember this question – What is the kindest thing I could do for myself at this moment? No, its words didn’t solve all the problems, but it was the next right step for me at that present time to give me strength to continue on when I felt overwhelmed and anxious. A new tool to tuck away to remember for the future times when things get out of control and I need a break or direction or insight. Self-compassion and kindness never hurts!
What is the kindest things can you do for yourself at this moment?
Jean, that’s a profound yet undemanding question. May we be happy to allow God to re-fill our wells. He has been so very kind to us. It’s grace that allows us to extend this kindness to ourselves … and then to others.
God is so kind to us, yes yes!! It all begin with God’s grace!
I love that question, Jean! And I love the answer you gave yourself…and that you followed up on it. That is definitely a beautiful act of self-compassion. Yesterday I was on my feet a whole lot helping my youngest daughter and her family move into a different house, so today I gave myself the gift of staying OFF my feet as much as possible. 🙂 It’s felt indulgent and healing.
so glad your staying off your feet felt healing and self loving. we all need some self kindness don’t we?
I think I’m doing it right now–sitting on the deck in unseasonably warm weather for March, sipping licorice tea, and “visiting” with my blogger friends, like YOU! The blogs I choose to read offer encouragement and insight, not pessimism and angst. I always come way uplifted and challenged in a good way!
Thanks for listing me as one of your kindest actions! Your list is a great list. ISn’t that a great question to ask yourself? I know it is one I want to remember!
Agreed–a great question!