Let's be kinder to ourselves

It's a new year and, as with every new beginning, we have the opportunity to take decisions and attitudes to work towards achieving our dreams. For 2024, we'd like to bring kindness to your attention.

Let's be kinder to ourselves. Diligence and discipline can take us very far, always that they remain that and don't turn into self-deprecation and self-mistreatment. Think about it: you are the one best equipped to understand your own rhythm and your limits. There's a difference between pushing yourself to do your best, and forcing yourself again and again to attempt something you can't do yet, until frustration crushes you. As the American actor Jason Alexander quotes during a master class at Boston University: "You don't yell at a bud because it isn't a flower yet. It's going to be a flower, but it opens when it's time for it to open."

Look at the goals you've set for yourself this year and ask yourself whether they are realistic and specific enough to be useful to you. Don't set yourself up for failure and, if circumstances that hinder your progress arise, treat yourself with the patience and love you'd treat a loved one in a similar situation. By being kinder to ourselves, we'll also become kinder towards others, and our journeys will be easier and more enjoyable.

We wish you great success in 2024! Also, here's the full master class by Jason Alexander. Give it a listen when you can: