lizmoorelifecoach.com
I often see a graphic attached to people’s social media profiles. ‘If you can be anything, be kind’.
My clients often comment that I am kind to them; that I spoil them with cups of tea or coffee and home baking. Well, I want my clients to feel valued. They tell me that I use kind words as I listen intently to their story. Even if they think they are incoherent or rambling, that I ‘get it’. They say that they are not used to such kindness. Somehow because they have an issue with self-confidence or anxiety, they feel they deserve to be treated with ‘contempt’ or ‘not one of us’ and that hurts; deeply.
So why does kindness help when someone is feeling ‘other’ ‘second class’ ‘unworthy’? How does kindness help to improve self-esteem and confidence? How does kindness impart dignity and a sense of belonging?
There are helpful verses in the book of Proverbs in the Bible. ‘Kind words are like honey–sweet to the soul and healthy for the body.” “A person’s words can be life-giving water; words of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubbling brook.” Just imagine that, plain words that anyone can speak can save a life! The tongue is powerful.
I am Scottish and so my attention must turn to the National Bard, Robert Burns who says in his famous song. Auld Lang Syne (they even played it at the Winter Olympics closing ceremony) “We’ll tak’ a cup o’ kindness yet” . This refers to the tradition of raising a glass, “good will, friendship and kind regard” and in remembrance of “noble deeds”.
For some of my clients, getting out of bed to keep an appointment is a ‘noble deed’ so as long as I offer coaching, I will offer a cup o’ kindness in the form of a good old cup of tea.
And remember, if you can be anything, be kind. AND don’t forget to be kind to yourself.
lizmoorelifecoach.com