Jumper - C/O Sugarhill Boutique | Skirt - Topshop (Similar here) | Boots - C/O Rocket Dog | Hat - Second hand
I think kindness is a bit like eating your five a day. Everyone wants to be doing it, but more often than not you forget.
"Tomorrow!" you exclaim, but once again, life gets in the way and the idea just slips you by.
Of course, most decent people are kind everyday in a general way. You smile at the retail worker in your favourite clothes store; you make friendly small talk with the barista as you grab your morning coffee; you make a conscious effort to not be a total ass face to everyone you come across (although I know sometimes it can be a challenge on one of those days).
Carrying out extra random acts of kindness can often feel like a challenge, especially when you have your own mental health to be dealing with. In the blogging community, it always feels like someone is doing something bigger and better than you and when you're struggling with anxiety or depression the last thing you want to be thinking about is revelling in someone else's achievements. I think people often assume that by bigging up others, you're putting the spotlight on things that you aren't doing or haven't achieved.
And, to be frank, this is a load of poppycock.
Because throwing the odd compliment at that gal on Twitter who's blog post you absolutely loved isn't in any way going to extinguish your own candle. In fact, I think the best thing about kindness is that it's contagious. It's as simple as making someone feel better makes you feel better too.
I am 100% guilty of being a moody mare on occasion. There are times when I only think about myself, what my circumstances are and don't give a damn about what anyone else is doing - notably when I'm struggling with outfit photos...
But I think it's so important to remember that Cinderella quote that everyone puts in their bios nowadays, "Have courage and be kind."
Even when it's difficult, throw a little kindness around. Allow yourself to admire other people's achievements without questioning your own amazing progress. Nobody has the same life, and I can assure you that everyone is going through one struggle or another. And, by supporting one person you could make their struggle a little easier that day, and isn't that a wonderful thing!?
Promote blogs you love. Give that Instagram photo a like. Share some insider knowledge that might help someone out. Tell someone their makeup is stunning or that they look like a million bucks.
Because after all that, I bet you you'll feel better about yourself too.
I think kindness is one of the most important factors in having a healthy lifestyle and if we all make more of an effort to spread it around the blogging community a little more, then we can drive each other to even greater success!
Cut the drama! Spread the kindness!
And you'll be surprised what people remember. There are a few times bloggers have done the kindest things for me that I will never forget, because they really didn't have to go out of their way. But because of that one act of kindness I always make the effort to support them when they need it too.
After reading this, I'd love for you to head onto your favourite social platform and throw out one random act of kindness. And if you're having an especially crappy day, then throw out two! I can assure you, you'll feel all the more better for it. x
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