23/07/2023
“Always remember to be kind.”
The first thing that probably comes to mind after hearing that phrase is to be kind to others, but when will being kind to oneself be the first thought? Why is it that it’s easier for people to be kind to others, even to a stranger, than to themselves?
From a young age, we were constantly bombarded with familial and societal expectations—the pressure to always compete and be the best among others. Amidst the competition, we were always reminded to be kind to others and to never step down on other people on our way to the top. Despite all the efforts and hardships that we face just to be the best version of ourselves and make our parents proud, we were never once told to be kind to ourselves. The older generations learned to prioritize the opinions of other people, and this has been passed down from one generation to another.
As we move forward in today’s world, we’re finally unlearning some of the teachings that we’ve found to cause more harm than good. Self-love is now regarded as an important part of life, especially for millennials and young adults, as it is key to a healthy mental state. We're gradually starting to understand the value of treating ourselves with kindness and occasionally taking a break. Slowly, over time, our first thought upon hearing the words "Always be kind" will be ourselves. Because the world can be a happier place if you are as kind to others as you are to yourself.
