At the beginning of each month, I’ve decided to focus on one word for that month, and this month’s word is Kindness.

Kindness to others, but also – and perhaps more importantly – kindness to yourself. We’ve had a bit of an intense couple of months, and I’m concentrating on being understanding and kind to myself and all the things that have been going on in the world. I’ve been very anxious about a lot of things, but I know it’s just anxiety, and that’s something we’ve all been feeling.

The word Kindness dates back to around 1250–1300, and is from Middle English word kindenes, derived from the word kind(e) meaning ‘natural, well-disposed’. 

So it’s a natural way of being, yes, but what do I think of being kind? I know in myself I try to be such to others, whether that’s to my immediate family or colleagues at work. Kindness happens in perhaps small ways, but these are really important. Like offering to make a cup of tea, kindness shows itself in the everyday tasks and words you offer to others.

I’ve always tended to be kind to others, but have I always been kind to myself? 

There are lots of ways to be kind, and we see them all over the internet and social media. But sometimes being kind is just in the moment. The invitation or offer to a work colleague for a walk if you’re going off to lunch. The offer of making a cup of tea. Taking stock at how much you’ve done that month and realising you need a good ol’ pat on the back, and maybe celebrate with a bubble bath.

So I say, this month, be kind to others yes, but be kind to yourself too. Give yourself kindness and understanding, and perhaps offer a kind word to others too. This time at hand is tough for all of us, and I suspect we’ll be seeing a lot more kindness in the future.

What are your thoughts on the word? And are you being kind to yourself as well as others?