I’ve grappled with this idea all week. Initially I thought of doing something big for myself or having some me time. That would be the easiest way to show myself kindness, but that seemed like an obvious and easy way for me to be kind to myself. I wanted to dig deeper.
I’m hardly kind to myself, because I’m kinder and more empathetic to others. It’s my nature, I suppose. So instead of treating myself, which I should do anyway, I decided that the highest form of self-kindness for me is to stop criticising myself.
I am over critical about everything I do – be it writing and illustrating books, my blog even things at home. I criticise myself all the way. I never think I’m good enough. I always push myself to work harder to be better, sometimes until breaking point. Breaking point for me is when I stop doing what I love all together, because I don’t think I’m doing the right thing in the right way.
Self-criticism and self-doubt go hand in hand, but I don’t want to give in to them anymore. So this week I’ve stopped criticising and doubting myself and my work. It wasn’t easy, because the old feelings crept up again. I’m aware of them now so I can check myself, before they consume my mind completely.
This has been one of the best weeks I’ve had in a while. I’ve accepted the work (books and blog posts) that I put out are the best I can do at this time. I feel happier and more at peace. I’m enjoying the Kindness Challenge so far and I can’t wait for what the next weeks will bring.
How has the Kindness Challenge Week 1 been for you so far? Do you give in to self-criticism and self-doubt, if so how do you overcome it? Let me know by commenting below!
Love and Blessings,
homehugshuskies.wordpress.com 
Beautiful post Lindsay. I think we’re all prone to self doubts and self criticism but I’m so happy to hear that you’ve had a good week and are being kinder to yourself. You deserve it!
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Thank you for all your support Miriam! You’ve helped me immensely on my journey. ❤
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Oh, I’m so happy to hear that. You’re very welcome Lindsay. xo
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❤ Love to you and the family.
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I do give in to self criticism and self doubt. Then I look around at all the kids and my husband who love me and know that I must be doing something right!
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Exactly! You are a wonderful wife and mother.
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What a beautiful post Lindsay! I think we’re all guilty of doubting ourselves way too often. We are our own worse critics. I often doubt myself as well which forces me to try even harder. I keep telling myself that I’m good enough and that my best is all that I can give. This works much more than it use to-thank goodness. It’s a work in progress as are we 🙂
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Thank you. I have to start telling myself that I’m good enough too. I’m so glad it works for you! The days are getting easier, which makes writing and drawing much easier too 🙂
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We’re all more than good enough. I would never have thought a fantastic writer like yourself would question your abilities. It goes to show that we can never truly know another person’s story. Much love Lindsay 🙂
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❤ I'm just naturally tough on myself. I have to work extra hard on breaking the cycle.
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I like your idea of just taking the week off from self-criticism. I must need this self-love pretty bad because I totally did not even see that it said that for week 1. It says it, loud and clear on the big picture of the heart, but I missed it. It is clear to me that I need a revisit! I will take your advice this week and give myself a week off. One thing that has always helped me to be kinder to myself is to review the words that I am using for myself and ask if I would use those same words if I were talking about my best friend. Most likely not! So I am going to try that this week. Thanks!
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That’s a great idea. I think I hold my friends in higher esteem than myself. I also want to list the things I’m good at to continue the self kindness into next week 🙂
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I love your honesty in this post Lindsay. I love that you honored allowing yourself to explore this deeper and go farther than what you initially had in mind. What a great self-discovery came from that! I love that you mentioned the first step was recognizing that’s an area for improvement so that you can pay attention and stop it in it’s tracks. It gets easier over time. I encourage you to remind yourself to be gentle with your thoughts as we move out of week 1 and into week 2. I’m so happy that this was such a great week for you! ❤
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Thank you for the idea of the Kindness Challenge and putting the idea into action. I enjoyed the challenge so far and I hope to become even more open as the weeks go on. I hope you have a fantastic week ahead ❤
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It’s my pleasure! Can’t wait to see where this takes you! Thanks Lindsay, you too! ❤
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About 2 years ago I had a major health crisis due to stress. I never said no to anyone or anything. Working 24/7 and being there for everyone all the time. After I had surgery, I looked around at who was there and who wasn’t. It was then that I decided I was my own responsibility and I needed to love and take very good care of ME. Not for work, not for family, just for me. It was a long journey, but today I put myself first. I only have a certain amount of time on this earth and I want to live my life, not anyone else’s life. I am kind to myself everyday. If I don’t love myself I can’t really love anyone else.
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You are so strong to overcome your health problems and become a better person, because of it. It just shows if you don’t love yourself, who will?
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I’m proud of how honest you are with yourself, my friend, and how you’ve found such an important way to be kind to you! I’m sure the next 6 weeks will bring you even or wisdom.
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Thanks so much! How’s the challenge treating you so far?
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