Right now, the world needs more kindness. It needs more people who are being gentle with one another. There is a lot of hateful things being said, but we can contribute to making the world better, simply by providing words of encouragement, love, and joy. If you want things to get better, it starts with being gentler with one another.

Be Gentle with Yourself

It’s really difficult to be gentle with others if you can’t be gentle with yourself. You’re going to make mistakes. You’re going to do wrong things. Your thoughts are going to get away from you. It’s okay. You’re human. Cut yourself some slack and allow yourself to do the best you can given the circumstances. None of us are perfect. Forgiveness of others is more for you than for them. Forgive people and let their actions slip from your mind.

Be Gentle with Others

I know its hard. Other people are spewing out racism. They’re angry and making dumb choices. They’re misinformed. They’re acting like they don’t care about anyone else but themselves. They’re breaking the rules because they’re getting bad advice and bad information from sources that should be trustworthy. They need more care and understanding while being gently led to follow the rules. If you can’t be gentle, don’t engage; rather, help someone else who has done his or her best to be gentle with the person.

Find Gentle Activities

If you’re having a hard time being gentle, find the activities that will help keep you calm and encourage your gentility. For some people, this is relaxing yoga, calming meditation, or a listening to calming music. For others, it means getting a sweat going during a workout or listening to heavy metal. Whatever helps you achieve the ability to harness your kindness, do that. Paint with Bob Ross.

Take in Gentle Entertainment

(This text contains affiliate links. If you choose to purchase the item through these links, it costs you the same amount, and this website gets a small advertising fee. Thank you.)

What you put into your mind, you’re going get to get out in emotions and worldview. Try switching your entertainment to gentle stories of goodness and people making right choices. The Winnie the Pooh series are great stories for kindness, love, and gentility. “Anne of Green Gables” is also good for imagination, joy, and comfort. “Polly Penguin Wants to Fly” was written to be gentle and enjoyable. Manny Trembley’s Stories involving Victoria Jr. are a feast for the soul and the eyes – and they have monsters! As far as movies go, escape is nice but choose films without violence and conflict; ones that will make you feel better. A lot of musicals, especially from the ‘50s and ‘60s, fit this mold. Visit Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood and Sesame Street.

Self-Care and Creativity

Most creativity happens best when you’re able to take care of yourself. If you aren’t eating well, exercising, or sleeping enough, you’ll find that everything suffers, including creativity. Take care of yourself and get to creating a better world for everyone. Sometimes, a stuffed animal is the best therapy.