I Am Loving Kindness

What does kindness really mean?

I think sometimes we underestimate the power of kindness.

A smile, a nice word, an unexpected deed, or a planned surprise.

For those who follow my work you will know I often talk about my Grandad Rueben.

He came to the UK from Jamaica in the early 50’s. After being sold the dream of a better life, with greater opportunities!

The reality was very different............

Instead, he was greeted with signs that read NO blacks, NO dogs & NO Irish. Insulted, spat on, humiliated, even physically assaulted!

But, he stayed and raised his family in the UK. And, thanks to him his legacy of love, compassion, humility and kindness lives on.

'Kindness?is more than being nice.?It?goes beyond merely being nice'

Being kind is intentional, not only when it’s easy, but also when it’s hard to be kind.

I am loving kindness

My grandad's life taught us to show respect, even in adversity.

He never allowed unfair treatment or abuse to hold him back from doing things he wanted or to justify treating other people badly, even though they probably deserved it!

Like many others of his generation, he suffered to pioneer the way for the next generation. And, I recognise much of my success and comfort is because of his pain and sacrifice.

Today, I still get to stand on his shoulders and pay it forward. To leave a legacy for future generations.

Why is self- compassion important?

When I think of a leader, I never saw myself and neither did others!

For a long time, this meant that I felt like an imposter and at any moment, I would be found out.

Having people ask to speak to the "real manager," "someone older," and one super insulting time, "a man".

We all know the kind of man, he meant!

Growing up in this consistent stream of negativity projected onto me from others, used to feed my own internal pesky saboteur and imposter!

I was often harsh on myself and others... constantly striving and still not feeling good enough, so worked even harder!!!

Sound familiar?

'I would tell myself to do better, work harder!'

Perhaps, it is time for you to show yourself, like a best friend some loving kindness and shift your internal narrative to become more nurturing?

Sharing your story is really powerful….

So, for the past 5 years, I’ve been creating a new image of leaders because you can’t be what you can’t see.

No more code switching, shrinking back or hiding!

This means I am showing up for myself with more compassion and loving kindness!

? If like me you are made to feel like an imposter because you don't see yourself represented in leadership and neither do others!

? You are from a diverse background- black, brown or at another diverse intersection and keep getting overlooked for a promotion or a pay increase

? You want to improve your emotional wellbeing and are sick of being judged or undervalued & want to stop feeling burnout, overwhelmed or undervalued

? You need a place to feel safe, somewhere you can talk openly & be vulnerable. A place to receive human kindness where you experience a sense of belonging?

Come & join Kinship - a safe space for diverse women!

2022 is the year of contentment

Let’s never underestimate kindness ??

Bitesize weekly content!

We hope you have enjoyed it. See you next week x

PS If you want to hang out.?Kinship is a Safe Space for Diverse Women

The first Friday of each month we explore the intersectionality of Race & Mental Health.

Join us. Please register?here