I partnered with Cents of Style for this post and some links below are affiliate links. Thoughts and opinions are my own.
When we were kids and thought about what we wanted to BE, the answer was always what job you want to have. I want to BE a teacher, a firefighter, a ballerina, whatever. Then at some point, and maybe for me it wasn’t even until I had kids myself, I realized an even more important BE. It’s not the job title you have, it’s the qualities you possess that define you. Those can be even trickier because they develop over time, and can decrease without our even noticing.
The Cents of Style BE series shirts give reminders of some of the great things you can be: Strong, Bold, Happy, Kind, Still. Which will you choose?
I picked the one that says Be Kind. At first glance, it’s a reminder to be kind to those around me. A reminder for my kids to be kind. And then I realized I could probalby use the reminder to be kind to myself! I have a lot of expectations for myself. I’m sure you can all relate.
Along with my husband we’re raising three fantastic kids, trying to help them find their interests, develop talents, have faith, do well in school, and yes, be kind. I’m trying to run and organize a house that stays (more or less) clean, and where things can be (more or less) found when you need them. I’m a part time college student, trying to learn and earn good grades to both reach my own goals and show my kids how important education is. Throw in diabetes where I have a new challenge to take care of myself. And I want to do it all wonderfully.
Lately I’ve been beating myself up over all these things far too often. When things go wrong, I tell myself I should have done something differently. I was too busy, I wasn’t thinking, I’m a bad mom, I’m a bad student, and it goes on. But I’m working on it. I’m trying to still work on all my goals, but still give myself a break and use kind and encouraging words.
Take this picture for example. I planned yesterday to snap a couple of cute springy pictures in my new shirt to include in today’s post. It had stopped raining for a little bit (a rarity this spring) and so I decided it would be a good time to run to the park before the rain started up again. As you can see, I didn’t make it!
At first, I went back to my old reaction – aw man, if only I had left the house sooner? Why did I think I needed another layer of lipstick? How come I didn’t get my homework done faster? Blah, blah. BUT, I stopped myself. I mean, look at my shirt, right? Plus, the way the light difusses through a car window does some pretty nice things to selfies 🙂 So I took a few silly pictures right in the car, while I sat in the parking lot in the rain.
And I felt a little kinder.
If you love the messages of these shirts, go grab one today for just $15.95 (and always free shipping. Use the code BESTORY when you check out to get the deal! Check out the other sections in the shop and to get some shoes or accessories to go with it.
If you have suggestions on how to be more kind to yourself, please share! I’m sure it could help a lot of people. Thanks for reading, and have a great weekend!