#RevofKindness,  life after 50

2016 Kindness Challenge

May 13, 2016 / 25 Comments
Fox2 2016
A fox teenager from our back yard. It’s these simple joys in life that are worth celebrating, along with the bigger “must dos” in my life.

Week 1: Start your day with kindness

Practice kindness to myself? What an odd concept! When I think of being kind, it’s usually in relation to other people. Whoa! I’m not saying that I am kind to everyone. I strive to be kind to others, for sure, but I’m not always successful. And, I’m usually kicking myself for not doing something, for not noticing the person’s need soon enough.

I don’t plan kindness for me, specifically. Sometimes I will treat myself to pizza or ice cream, but beyond that, everything I do seems to be by necessity. I will go to bed early if I’m exhausted and it’s the end of the week. I’ll exercise if I am sore or stiff, so I can feel better. I’ll go the hair stylist when I’m looking mangy with gray roots because I don’t feel like I look professional. None of these things are done because I wish to be kind to myself.

Recently I went to the eye doctor because my left eye was blurry and I thought I needed my contacts cleaned. I usually try and go every other year but this time my records showed that I hadn’t been for four years. I found out that I have a cataract in my eye that needs to be removed. Oy! I’m not saying that if I had gone in any earlier, that I could have avoided the cataract. But, if I had made it a priority the way I should, I would have known about it before it began effecting my eyesight. I don’t like living life in such a rushed state – and I fear much of it is my own doing.

This first week’s exercise has proven to me that I need to take better care of myself so that I am not just reacting to things as they happen. I put so much thought into doing my job and trying to keep things going, that I don’t make time to plan, to do a combination of “must do” and thoughtful, joyful activities. I realize I don’t have the stamina that I used to. After researching ways to be kinder to myself (in order to take better care of others), here’s what I’ve come up with:

– Eat healthier.

– Exercise at least 3 times per week.

– Don’t take things too seriously – try not to worry.

– Read something spiritual every day.

– Give someone a hug.

– Sleep at least 8 hours per day.

– Enjoy flowers, plants and wildlife.

– Be grateful.

– Create a few music playlists – “go to” songs to cheer me up, giving me energy in the morning or after work.

– Love those people and pets that God has gifted me with every day.

What are some ways in which you can show kindness to yourself? I’ve realized through this weekly exercise that it’s not as easy as I think. What about you? #RevofKindness

I'm Diane, a marketing executive in the non-profit sector living in Terre Haute, Indiana. My husband and I moved from Denver, Colorado, 15-plus years ago and this blog highlights our joys and challenges in adjusting to our new home and town. I also share things I love: photography, wildlife and domestic pets, writing, knitting, making jewelry, food, travel, my faith in God and music. I'm also writing a mystery novel so stay tuned!

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25 Comments

    • dmweiden@gmail.com

      May 13, 2016 at 4:14 PM Reply

      Good for you! Thanks for visiting my blog – I appreciate it! I’m glad you make a habit of being kind to yourself. You deserve it!

  • Patricia

    May 13, 2016 at 10:41 PM Reply

    I think most women are of the “must do” clan. There are many demands/pressures on us and we often put ourselves behind all others, but if we don’t take care of ourselves there will come a time when we won’t be able to take care of others.

  • Niki

    May 14, 2016 at 8:31 AM Reply

    I love the self-discovery of slowing down and not just reacting. It sounds like this was a week of self-discovery and evaluation for you. I love that you came up with a list of things to do that can help you to remember to be kind to yourself! By doing a variety of the things on your list on a regular basis, how might that make you feel? No need to answer, just something to ponder as you explore the new territory of focusing kindness on yourself. 🙂 I hope you have a great weekend and look forward to moving into week 2! 🙂

  • Lori L MacLaughlin

    May 14, 2016 at 11:11 AM Reply

    I love this post! It’s me to a “T.” I always feel like I’m flying by the seat of my pants, just trying to keep up with everything, but never getting ahead enough to have “me” time. Everybody and everything else comes first. It’s true, though, that it’s important to be kind to yourself. Thanks for the reminder and for the great list! I’m going to stick it on my refrigerator where I’ll see it every day.

  • Amy Putkonen

    May 15, 2016 at 12:22 PM Reply

    Hi there,

    I am visiting from the Kindness Challenge. It looks like we were similarly challenged this week! I did not even realize that it was self-kindness. I read that, but then I didn’t SEE it. You know what I mean? Clearly, I need some help there. I am going to focus next week on self-love and see what happens. Good luck with the challenge!

  • Lean Not Unto My Own Understanding

    May 16, 2016 at 8:09 AM Reply

    My grandmother would say to me often, “Bren, take time to smell the roses”. I am so glad she taught me this at a very young age because I know as adult how important this small act is. Thanks for visiting my blog and reading me first week of the act of kindness challenge.

    • dmweiden@gmail.com

      May 16, 2016 at 3:53 PM Reply

      You bet! Eleven years ago, my husband and I moved from Denver to a smaller city in Indiana. We actually have almost an acre of land and we really enjoy springtime when all the plants come alive and bloom. It’s a great reminder to recognize and appreciate the beauty of nature and wildlife, and realize how small we are when we consider all of God’s creation. God’s kindness to us is immeasurable!

  • C. J. Hartwell

    May 17, 2016 at 6:29 PM Reply

    Those are good steps to keep in mind! I especially like the goal to enjoy flowers and animals. Sometimes I have to tell myself to get outside more, it always makes me happier. Thanks for the reminder!

  • AlluringEby

    May 18, 2016 at 4:03 PM Reply

    I love your point of view and the list in particular.
    It is funny how we neglect ourselves and focus on other less important things, not even pausing to enjoy our achievements.
    Thanks for the list.

  • lexacain

    May 20, 2016 at 10:59 PM Reply

    So sorry for the late comment. I was so busy telling other CTST members to put your site on their blogs that I forgot to do it myself! The news about the cataract must ave been daunting, but your being very proactive. We could all take a lesson from you on being kinder to ourselves. Have a good weekend!

    • dmweiden@gmail.com

      May 26, 2016 at 3:46 PM Reply

      Thanks for the support and for visiting my blog. I appreciate it. I’m a bit behind on the Kindness Challenge but hope to get caught up this week. Have a good weekend.

      • lexacain

        May 28, 2016 at 10:31 AM Reply

        The Kindness Challenge sounds fun, but I received your request to join CTST: Celebrate The Small Things. I put you on the linky and sent you a confirmation email (May 7). The intent of Kindness sounds very close to Celebrate. You can double up the posts if you want by just adding Celebrate’s badge and tag to the bottom.

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