So far this winter is dark, cold and most of us have had enough of ice and snow and according to the local Groundhog, spring is still far away.

I don’t know about you but this past January treated me to some of the worst blues that I have had in years. It could have been the weather or the after holiday season let down or just what was going on in the world but I noticed that I was crabby and not kind.  So this  past Groundhog day I decided to make a new resolution to stir my self out of hibernation and to be more kind. Here is how I decided to go about it.

What I did learn is that there is no secret or trick to being more kind, it’s something you just have to do. However, increasing your own kindness is easier when you have a plan or a path to follow.

First, I focused on increasing showing kindness to myself. This meant treating my body and mind with respect. It did not mean splurging and buying treats or gifts. I had had enough of those already! But for example, if I had a stressful day, gave myself time at night to reflect, unwind, and meditate. This process also included things like working out, or taking a relaxing bath. Treating yourself with kindness can also mean eating healthier, getting a proper amount of sleep, and avoiding negativity.

Next, I started to work towards showing increased kindness to friends and family. How you do this may depend on your situation; use common sense to identify ways where you can give someone a friendly compliment, a favor, or a gift. However, don’t overdo it or you’ll appear like you have some ulterior motive. Doing little things here and there is the best way to gradually increase your kindness towards others, while at the same time adjusting your habits to a new standard.

Once you have increased your kindness to yourself and to friends and family (and are consistently doing so) you can move on to showing more kindness to strangers and people whom you are not well acquainted with. For example, if you happen to pass someone by, smile and say hello. Don’t worry about what they do in response. Obviously this won’t work if you are in a crowded area, just use good sense to figure out what is appropriate to your situation. Keep an eye open for opportunities to show kindness to strangers and if you see a chance, take it.

I am not suggesting that these steps will fix all that we are currently dealing with in our lives but they did make me feel a little less blue and more for lack of a better word, Kind.

How did you deal with any blues you may have had this past month or are you still dealing with them.

From deep inside my burrow with chirps and growls and snores.

Let Me Know.

Danielle