We are at my 7th affirmation for the new year.  Thanks for hanging there.  Just a couple more and we are done!

Here is my list of 2018 affirmations:

• Who I am, right now, is enough.
• I make great choices.
• I have all I need, in abundance.
• I am creative.
• I am loving.
• I am strong.
• I am kind.
• I am grateful for this life I have.
• My heart is open.

Today’s Affirmation:

I am kind.

Yesterday, we talked about being loving, today’s topic is kindness.  Am I repeating myself?  Isn’t it the same thing?

To me, it’s a little different. I see loving as an emotion.  I see kindness as the way of showing that love. But it also has some wonderful, science backed side-effects.

Even if we don’t realize it, we are born to be kind.  It’s inherent. To not be kind can actually create an imbalance in us physically.

When we are kind, we release chemicals in to our bodies. It’s a natural anti-depressant, releasing serotonin in our brains. It’s the serotonin that promotes memory, good moods, sleep, health, and digestion. It also plays a part in increasing well being, energy, and that wonderful feeling of self worth.

As well, our stress hormone levels drop and remain lowered for awhile, when we are being kind.  Even watching kindness in action can reduce these levels of stress while in turn improving the function of their immune systems.

Kindness  increases our oxytocin hormone levels, which promotes trusting relationships. Along with making your feel good emotionally, it helps to lower your blood pressure. Regular kindness has been shown to improve heart health, reduce depression, eliminate ulcers, reduce physical pain, and improve both the quality and the length of people’s lives.

Wow!

That’s a powerful punch for just a smile, a hug or a helping hand.

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