Living Like a Refreshing Breeze: Treat Yourself with Kindness
As we have explored the subject of kindness this month, it would not be complete without considering the importance of treating ourselves with kindness. There is no better person to do that, than my friend, Joan C. Webb. Joan, a writing coach and author, admits to being a recovering workaholic and burnout victim. Through her writings and on her blog, she communicates a message of freedom and renewal in an age of overchoice and overcommitment.
Please welcome Joan to the blog today.
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“What specific quality would you like for God to develop in you this year?” asked the speaker. The question caught my attention and would not let go.
Driving home, I contemplated my response: I’d like to be less obsessive, less intense. I want to balance giving with receiving and then be comfortable with it. I want to be less judgmental of myself and others.
Then a light bulb flashed in my mind: Gentleness! Kindness! That’s what I want. I want to be more gentle. More kind.
Later, I looked up the word “gentle” and read this definition: “Kindly; moderate; a mild breeze, usually one with the velocity of no more than 12 miles per hour.” I smiled as I imagined going through each day at a moderate pace. After all, I had previously run through life like a high-velocity wind, attempting to work, serve, give and do it all “just right.” Now I desired authentic gentleness laced with kindness.
I shared my goal with God, prayed for His Spirit’s guidance and began to picture myself practicing gentleness, tenderness and kindness, first with myself and then reaching out to touch others like a refreshing gentle breeze.
A few weeks later, I pulled a book from the shelf and settled into an over-stuffed chair to read. Sounds pretty nice, huh? But these words glared at me from the page: “Christians may burnout, but they must not rust out.” The author probably meant that it’s better to act than not, yet I winced because this statement had often been my unspoken creed.
When I adhere to this philosophy, I assist, befriend, encourage and nurture others, yet neglect myself. Believing I have the capacity to do it all, I continually say “yes” to others and often fail to set wise boundaries. It’s like burning both ends of a candle which initially produces twice as much light. But it burns out twice as fast.
I want to be kind and giving to everyone around me, yet I became so overloaded doing good work that I neglect to show kindness to myself, starting with my negative self-talk. Eventually all my mental, emotional, physical and even spiritual energies get used up and I get bone-tired. It’s a type of "compassion fatigue." And I know it’s real. Yes, even for those who love God.
Through His Word (and in answer to my prayer) the Lord reassured me that I am part of His creation, just like the people I serve. So are you!
Our souls are nourished when treated with kindness. (Proverbs 11:17 NLT) We respond to life and service with less anxiety and greater joy when we’re kind not only to others, but to ourselves, as well.
Kind Father, Your grace has touched my malnourished soul and brought back hope. Help me treat myself with kindness so that I can thrive to serve others and You.Choose one way to nourish yourself with kindness this week.
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