Do you know today is Random Acts of Kindness Day, which wraps up R.A.K. Week (February 11-17). While the focus of this day is often on extending kindness to others, it’s essential we remember to include ourselves in the kindness equation.

Nourishing Ourselves with Self-Kindness:

Learning how to be kind to ourselves is often a lesson we learn (or not) and carry from childhood. A simple way to practice this is using affirmations (or mantras). Affirmations are positive statements that can help us overcome self-criticism and cultivate self-compassion. In times of difficulty or self-doubt, using affirmations can be powerful way to challenge negative thoughts, shift perspective and promote self-kindness.

Embracing Self-Kindness Amid Caregiving:

As caregivers, it’s common to prioritize the needs of others, sometimes at the expense of our own well-being. Amidst the busyness of caregiving, it’s crucial to have go-to activities, rituals, and practices that nourish us and replenish our energy reserves.

Incorporating Affirmations as Self-Care:

Incorporating affirmations into your daily routine can be a simple yet powerful act of self-care. Whether you recite them aloud, write them down, or reflect on them quietly, affirmations help reinforce positive beliefs about yourself and foster a sense of inner peace and acceptance.

Inspiring through Sharing – R.A.K. Alert:

To recognize R.A.K. and support you on your journey of self-kindness, we’re offering a downloadable freebie of some self-kindness affirmations. You can use these affirmations as they are (print on card stock and use as bookmarks, stick on a mirror or glue in your journal etc.) or as inspiration to create your own. Our hope is these affirmations serve as gentle reminders of the magical being that you are, helping you shift your mindset and embrace self-compassion.

Extending Loving-Kindness with Meditation:

In addition to practicing self-kindness, it’s essential to extend kindness to others and foster compassion for all beings. This loving-kindness meditation / prayer offers a beautiful way to cultivate goodwill and acceptance for oneself and others, promoting peace and harmony in ourselves and the world.

May I be happy,
May I be healthy,
May I be safe and secure,
May I live with ease and peace.

May I be kind to myself,
May I forgive myself,
May I love and accept myself just as I am.

May all beings be happy,
May all beings be healthy,
May all beings be safe and secure,
May all beings live with ease and peace.

May all beings be kind to themselves,
May all beings forgive themselves,
May all beings love and accept themselves just as they are.

Loving Kindness Prayer / Meditation

Balancing Kindness to Others and Ourselves:

While Random Acts of Kindness Week encourages us to spread kindness far and wide, let’s use today to be kind to ourselves. As caregivers, it’s crucial to strike a balance between caring for others and caring for ourselves, ensuring that we have the strength and resilience to continue our journey with compassion and grace.

And if affirmations aren’t for you, check out last year’s post with a free Mandala Colouring Page.