Be Kind

2014 is when it really started, bubbled to the surface and became a thing I couldn’t ignore.

I had been living a life I thought I wanted – nice home, big job, fun vacations. But I was so deeply unhappy with where I was and it bled to those around me. My foul moods would engulf a conference room like no other.

But then…

I saw people ask for what they most needed in life, despite the fact that those around them didn’t agree or understand or support them. Seeing others take that scary step almost had me undone. But instead, with great encouragement from my husband (aka The Photographer), I asked to step back from my work.

During the time, I focused on me. Yes, I became selfish, but don’t confuse that with being self-centered.

Fast forward one year later to my first experience at World Domination Summit in Portland. By this time, I had a vision of where I wanted my life and career to go. Being around social entrepreneurs, creatives, those that wanted leave a positive mark on the world, was inspiring. My heart broken open with joy and gratitude for these people that were putting themselves out there, being vulnerable, taking calculated risks and meeting the fear head-on.

After my time at WDS, I knew I was on the right path of sharing my awesome gifts with the world through my own business. I was scared out of my mind, but I knew that if nothing else, these people had my back.

When I made the leap to run my business full time, I had the logistics and courage in place. I knew what needed to be done, or least where I could turn to get questions answered. (side note – as an entrepreneur, you never know everything, but that’s another post for another day).

But I forgot to remember to take care of myself – mentally, emotionally and physically. If I wasn’t able to be the best version of Lindsay I could be, I couldn’t show up fully for my clients in the most awesome of ways.

To cultivate that kindness for myself, I needed to develop a self-care routine. For me, that’s unplugging on weekends and most evenings. Taking at least two breaks a day to enjoy the outdoors with my dogs. Just being aware and making it a priority keeps that switch flipped on.

And I noticed that when I was kinder to me, I was kinder to those around me. I smiled more, had more patience while in line at Chipotle, started to really see the beauty around me.

Sometimes, it does feel as if humanity has been lost, everyone’s only looking out for their #1. While, yes, you did need to put yourself first about I mentioned, it shouldn’t be at the detriment of others. I still believe we are good, we are kind and that The Team, as Martha Beck so lovingly refers us, will help to heal the planet.

So I ask you to remember to be kind. When you see someone who could use your help, hold the door open for them, let them pull out of that parking spot, give them a friendly smile at the checkout register.

Most importantly, Be Kind to yourself. I don’t mean in the “I’ll have that fifth beer because I had a rough day” sort of way, but rather tune into what your body, your soul is screaming to you that you need most. Listen. Honor it as best you can.