As the new year is upon us, there are many things that we can strive to do.
One thing that I always strive to do is be a kinder me. I want less negativity, a better perspective on life, and to be more generous. Lets walk through these three things as we work to become kinder women.
I want less negativity in my life.
I see myself as a half-glass full kind of woman and not critical. But then it came to my attention the amount that I complain and criticize myself. Some other types of negativity that are not healthy in life:
Exasperation: An angry sign, crossed arms, the tone; these are all things that say, "You're an idiot." That is how it makes others feel when we have these actions.
Defeatism: Sometimes it is easier to build ourselves up than build up someone else. Be careful with words and thoughts.
One thing that always hurts my heart is when someone says, "I knew that was going to happen." By saying this, it means that I was incompetent to understand what is happening in my life or what could be predicted.
Sarcasm: Having a sense of humor is fun and can be fun but there is a line between fun and hurtful. Sarcasm can be damaging if not taken the right way.
My family is very sarcastic and I have caught up on the fun and jokes. While my family enjoys this type of fun and games, others do not. I have had many circumstances that this type of negativity was not well received and had to apologize. Sometimes knowing your audience is the best.
Criticizing/Complaining: I think this one is an obvious example of negativity. But in some ways it can be hard to recognize when we do this. It could happen in moments that you don't recognize. Maybe you correct your roommate when she loads the dishwasher or your friend. Or maybe your bible study leader should have done something different than what you think.
Once you are aware of any negativity in your life you can see it pop up in places. How to overcome? I recommend spending some time writing down every time you display one of these actions. Be motivated to overcome negativity in your life to be the kindest version of you.
I want a better perspective on life.
How is having a good perspective on life easy when things are hard?
The answer is seeking God in the times of struggle. When life gets hard, I turn to Philippians 4. Verse 4 exclaims: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"
This is a command from God on how to live our lives.
We consistently look for the things that are worthy of praise, so when things are not worthy we doubt our own worth.
Stay positive even when it easier to be negative. God will reward the obedience in your life.
I want to live a more generous life.
Proverbs 11:25 says, "The generous will prosper."
When we think about prosper, we aren't talking about money in this situation. Here we are talking about God's people. As God's children we are called to bless others and here it is promised an abundant life for us in return.
For people who have a love language of words (me), saying kind things is great but sometimes actions speak louder than words when we want to show generosity as God's children.
There are eight types of generosity that can be a simple way for you to show others in your life how you care about them. Possibly, take a few that fit your personality to implement your kinder you.
Acts of service
Sharing something of value - like time or hospitality
Ask someone to share their story
Talk about something that matters to someone else, even if it doesn't matter to you
Listen carefully and thoughtfully
Expect nothing in return
Give unconditional love
I want to live a kinder life.
Now that we have been provided with helpful tips on a kinder life we will be able to combat situations that the devil sets in our path.
Being kinder makes us bulletproof, melts other people's think walls, and keeps you going.
We can now respond to kindness to our colleague that uses hurtful words to get to us. We can respond with a calm attitude and be a person of peace.
We can respond with love instead of what people expect us to respond with. Our criticism and judgment is no more but we are free to praise.
"As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." John 13:34-35
