Almost everyone (it sure would be nice if we could just say “everyone”) understands the importance of kindness in the world. Each and every one of us goes through hard times, and the kindness of others can be the encouragement we need to make it through. Each of us also has plenty of opportunities to show kindness to others when they could use a helping hand or a sympathetic ear.
Songs that celebrate kindness are continually popular, and examples of kindness on display are shared as inspiring stories in the media. These songs and stories demonstrate that kindness makes people’s lives better—both those who receive the kindness and those who offer it up.
All too often, however, we seem to forget that kindness benefits everyone. In fact, many people—including, perhaps, you yourself—have a hard time being kind to themselves, let alone to others. This post is intended as a reminder of how essential kindness is—for everyone and especially for those in recovery from a substance use disorder.
Let’s consider kindness—how we can be more intentional about it and how it can strengthen the foundation of your recovery. We are going to start with a look at why it is so important to work on being kind to yourself.
Be Kinder to Yourself
Have you ever noticed that your mind has a tendency to focus on negative things? Many people—including those in recovery—find themselves replaying mistakes from the past, which can lead to feelings of shame and regret. It is all too easy to get caught up in those feelings—feelings which can undermine all the work you have done to leave drugs and alcohol behind.
It can be challenging to convince your mind to focus more frequently on the positive aspects of your life and the effort you have put into making progress. Fortunately, there are strategies you can employ to work toward getting your brain to be a kinder friend to you. Those strategies include:
- Practicing mindfulness: Mindfulness is a type of meditation that can help you learn to stay in the present moment more often so that you are less likely to constantly replay difficult moments from the past or to worry about the future.
- Keeping a gratitude journal: Jotting down three things you are grateful for each day (a list that might—and probably should—often include your ongoing recovery) can be a powerful way to remind yourself of the positive aspects of your life.
- Leaning into affirmations: Your inner critic might be loud, but you can turn down the volume on negative self-talk by leaning into positive self-talk. This can take some practice, but the results can be wonderful as you work toward a consistent spirit of kindness toward yourself.
It is worth noting that fostering a spirit of kindness toward yourself might very well make it easier to practice kindness when it comes to others.
Be Kind to Others
While it might not always be top of mind as you go through your day, the fact is that opportunities to be kind to others pop up all of the time. Sometimes, it just seems natural to do the kind thing; other times, it can seem quite difficult. The truth is that zeroing in on kindness—even when it seems hard because you are grumpy or upset about something—is always a positive practice.
These kindnesses do not have to be big gestures. Hold the door for someone whose arms are full. Give some grace when someone misses a deadline. Make a point to remember someone’s birthday. The opportunities are really endless. And each kind act can help you build good relationships with others—the kinds of relationships that prop up your recovery efforts.
Extend Your Circle of Kindness
As you think more about kindness, you may find yourself motivated to extend your efforts beyond the people you encounter on a day-to-day basis. For example, you might decide to donate to—or volunteer for—an organization that helps those in need. You might take it upon yourself to pick up litter in your neighborhood or to advocate for positive changes in your community.
Spreading kindness far and wide is good for others—and good for your recovery, too.
Kindness Is a Key Component at The Aviary Recovery Center
Some people struggling with drugs or alcohol are reluctant to seek out treatment because they are worried they will be harshly judged by those who are supposed to be helping them. We want to be clear: At The Aviary Recovery Center—located near St. Louis, Missouri—our evidence-based, personalized approach to treatment is grounded in a spirit of empathy.
As we see you through medically supervised detoxification and our robust rehabilitation program, you can trust that we are always rooting for you and will treat you with respect and kindness at all times. This commitment to kind care is one of the reasons The Aviary Recovery Center is consistently named one of the best substance use treatment facilities in the country. When you are ready to reclaim your life from drugs or alcohol, we are ready to help you achieve that transformational goal.
