The small change Top 10 DAILY Countdown to Wellness: Tip # 1: One Act of Kindness!

“The more you extend kindness to yourself, the more it will become your automatic response to others.”  Wayne Dyer

In less than three weeks, we’ll celebrate the biggest Christian holiday of the year –Christmas!

Americans observe at least one holiday every month (August is the only exception). I’ve researched their origins, and the more I learn and reflect on what they mean to me, the less inclined I am to “buy into” traditions. I’d rather create my own!

So, what does Christmas mean to you?

Is it a sacred religious celebration?  Shopping sprees and gift sharing with family and friends? Quiet moments of reflection as one year ends and another begins? Or do you find meaning in expressing generosity through volunteer services and acts of kindness to the less fortunate?

No matter how you choose to make your Christmas “merry,” as it rapidly approaches with its flurry of activities and the pressure to make everything perfect for others, it’s easy to forget to be kind to the most important person in the world – you!

This holiday, I invite you to take on my challenge: Make “self kindness” your top priority - not after it’s over and life calms down. Starting today- treat yourself to at least one act of kindness every day!

Here’s why: Self-kindness creates ripple effects that make it easier to be kind to others! It also eliminates self-punishing stress and is one of the best gifts you can give to yourself and those you love.  So, this week, I’m excited to share:

The small change Ripple Effect - 10 Ways Self-Kindness Makes You Kinder to Others:

1. You have actual energy reserves. When you're not running on vapors, you have genuine feelings for others – you give freely and with less obligation.

2. Your patience multiplies and spills over to others. You stop expecting and demanding more than you can give.

3. Your boundaries protect everyone. When you respect your own time and spending limits, you prevent the resentment that results from over-giving.

4. People get the best version of you, not your burnt-out, irritable, secretly bitter self.

5. You model positive self-regard. Others notice how you treat yourself, and your behavior gives them permission to do the same.

6. You stop keeping score and teach others to follow suit. No more "I did this for them, so they should do this for me." You give without expecting payback.

7. You recognize that we all need the same thing. Your own struggles become a roadmap for helping others. The kindness you show yourself when you are overwhelmed becomes the exact kindness you offer others.

8. You break the cycle of “buying into” traditions. When you treat yourself with kindness, you interrupt unhealthy patterns that have been passed down through families, friendships, and communities.

9.  You become more mindful. Regardless of how you celebrate the holidays, practicing self-kindness allows you to more fully enjoy the experiences.

10. A lasting impact. The habit of self-kindness formed during Christmas continues to enhance your well-being long after the season ends. And you become less likely to “buy into” the illusion of a “Merry Christmas!”

Be the example of self-kindness this year; Be Well!

For additional wellness tips, subscribe to my small change Weekly Wellness Tips at https://www.myrtlerussell.com/contact-us.