Be Kind to Yourself

I slowed the pace for the rest of the semester in my Creativity and Innovation classes at the university. Yesterday, we took twenty minutes to compile a list of what we can do to be kind to ourselves right now while we are experiencing a range of intense emotions and (in some cases, already) a range of unsolicited, hateful, verbal attacks from strangers, friends, and family members. Here is our list. Take anything that might help you.

WAYS WE CAN BE KIND TO OURSELVES RIGHT NOW

a sort of list poem by the Totes Terrific section of CIED 20803

Move your body

Eat ice cream

Listen to Adele

Decorate for a holiday; any holiday

Listen to Jack Johnson

Take a 10 minute walk

Get some actual SLEEP

Have 12 social interactions in the morning before scrolling

Stay in the present

Listen to Johnny Cash

Drink some ice water

Ask someone if you can hug their dog

Eat an apple

Crack open your favorite book

Say “Good morning” to a stranger

If someone has a nice sweater, tell them so

Rest - you are much better, rested

Watch a musical

Listen to Vivaldi

Surround yourself with good humans

Read your bible - The Bible, or a different bible.

If you aren’t ready to roll up your sleeves, DON’T.

Disappear into a fantasy novel for awhile

Clap along with “Hooked on Classics”

Put clean sheets and pillowcases on your bed

Hug your dog