How to be Generous with Yourself
How Generous Are You with Yourself?
There are times each year when we think of being generous to others especially around Christmas, Birthdays. Anniversaries, and other special occasions. Of course, we also want to be generous to charities, our friends, and families.
Some of us may also give generously of our time as well. And all of that is wonderful and good.
But, we also have to ask, are we ever generous to ourselves?
What does Generous Mean?
The definition of Generous according to “Oxford Languages” is “Showing a readiness to give more of something, as money or time, than is strictly necessary or expected.”
How then do you apply this definition to being generous with yourself too?
An Example of Being Generous
A very good friend of mine brought this up to me the other day. She gave me a few Lush bath bombs (which are super luxurious bath treats if you have never used them before).
And, she told me not to hold on to them, but to actually USE them soon.
She knew I was going through a rough time with my Mom, who has dementia (you can read more about that in this article “How to Survive Caring for Elderly Parents and Children at the Same Time”). And, she also knew me well enough to know I would put them aside and save them for a special occasion.
She was so right. I can save the bath bombs for a special occasion (that may never come), or I can make today feel like a special occasion by using one of them.
It is possible (and even necessary) to show kindness to myself as well as to others.
What is the Opposite of Being Generous?
Well, the opposite of being generous is to be stingy or begrudging of your time or money. Do you do any of the following?
Do you regularly put your needs last?
Or do you think you don’t deserve to have certain things (like little extras like the bath bombs)? Do you ever give yourself time to just be or do what you want to do?
If you answered yes to any of these, then you are probably being stingy with yourself and not being generous.
How Generous Are You?
Here are some questions to ask yourself to determine how generous are you with yourself. If you want “extra credit” you can journal your answers to these questions too.
How often are you generous with your time to other people (which is a totally wonderful thing to do), but not in giving yourself time to do the things you really want to do?
Are you generous with compliments to others but stingy (and downright mean) to yourself?
Do you generously overlook other people’s failings but magnify your own?
Do you save the “good stuff” because you somehow feel you aren’t worthy of it?
Well, all of that can stop today. Once you are aware of what you are doing, you can begin to be more generous with yourself and show more kindness to yourself too.
Meaning of Generous – “Showing kindness toward others.”
Oxford Languages
How to be Generous with Yourself Today
(1) Give yourself time to do the things that matter to you. If you are waiting on someone else to give you permission, you may be waiting a LONG time.
(2) Be generous to yourself with compliments and end negative self-talk.
(3) Allow yourself plenty of grace when you make a mistake.
(4) Stop saving the good stuff – clothes, candles, dishes, stationary, chocolate, perfumes, bath products, facial/hair products, etc. for someday. Use them now (or at least soon)!
(5) Think of ways to pamper yourself with the items you already have. Treat yourself like the special person you are every day, not just on special occasions.
(6) Include something in your daily life that feels like a luxury. On tough days, I might treat myself to a piece of really good chocolate.
(7) Surround yourself with positive reminders of why life is good. Display those items which make your heart happy – who cares if it doesn’t make sense to other people.
I have a pink paper mâché angel I keep out year round even though it is meant to be a Christmas tree topper. I keep it out as a reminder of the aunt who gave it to me when I was younger.
Why Being Generous to You is Important
Being generous with ourselves will make us feel happier and therefore we will be more likely to be generous with the others around us. Our family doesn’t want to discover someday a treasure trove of our saved and forgotten items – clothes that were never worn, candles that have never been burned, products which are expired, etc.
Use the stuff! You won’t be taking it with you when you go, so enjoy it now.
If I had a bottle of champagne, I’d be popping that baby right now as of way of saying “Cheers to you”!
What do you tend to hold on to for a “special occasion”? Can you figure out a way of using it in your every day life now?
I think you may find you receive a lot of joy from the simple act of using it now. I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
P.S. One way to be generous with yourself is to give yourself plenty of time to relax and recharge (especially if you are already feeling stressed out). Sign up for my newsletter here and I’ll send you several free printable reminders on ways to relax and recharge today!
More Reminders on Why Being Generous is Important
Self Love Isn’t Selfish It’s Important
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