Kindness- A Bliss

“Remember, you have been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.” Louise L. Hay. This incident is very close to my heart. It was at my worst but it is engraved forever in my heart with compassion towards others. I define myself as full of life and a great stubborn head. So true it was till I faced the worst situation in my life.

In 10th I was at a stage where I lost the ability to think straight. Peer pressure of getting good marks because my father was a topper and has a reputation, pressure from relatives, etc. My cousin's sister and her taunts were a cherry on top. It demotivated me more than anything. In my life first time, I was experiencing such a situation where I didn’t know how to handle the situation. I cried on small issues; my irritation was at its peak.

Then this incident made me think to a great extent. It was the first day of Diwali week. My maternal aunt had a function at her home. I had to choose a simple dress. What a great deal in it, right? But for girls it is! My mother and I had a great argument which turned out too ugly after a while. I being frustrated shouted “I will just end up my life.” such a heartbreaking line for a mother, and it took a minute for me to speak. After she registered what I have spoken, angrily she brought the knife and placed it in my hand, and said “ cut your wrist and end it for once and all” so heartless from a mother, right?. I was shocked, baffled, surprised, frightened, angry, emotional. A toil of emotions took place in my heart and a thousand thoughts crossed my mind at the same time. I closed my eyes. I remembered my mother’s childhood teaching that kindness starts with self. If we are not kind to ourselves then we cannot be kind to others. She gave me the example of nature and showed me how it showed kindness to itself therefore it is kind to others. I opened my eyes which were glistening with tears and they directly met my mother’s eye which had hope that I would never take up a wrong step. Her face showed anger but her eyes had confidence in her upbringing. I gave the knife back to her. My face was devoid of emotions as I still could not comprehend which emotion to show.

 I learned the value of life from this act of kindness. It gave me a warmness in my heart to be kind to others.

This incident changed my life and in a better and positive way. One of the most important parts of self-care is self-compassion. It’s also one of the greatest challenges people face. It’s not easy to be kind to yourself, especially during hard times, but it can make a huge difference in your life.