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Sometimes we can be our own harshest critics, quick to put ourselves down and take a negative view. What would happen if you were to speak to yourself as if you were your own best friend? These be kind to yourself quotes are lovely reminders that we give ourselves some grace and kindness during tough times. 

Remember, you deserve kindness!

The Meaning of “Be Kind to Yourself“

Do you sometimes catch yourself being mean to yourself? Maybe you made a mistake, maybe you forgot to do an important task, maybe you found yourself in an embarrassing or awkward situation… when things go wrong, we are often so quick to criticize and scold ourselves!

If we also have negative voices in our head, if we always beat ourselves down for every small mistake or infraction, sooner or later, our mind will just be so full of negativity. And although we may not be conscious of it, that negativity always living in our minds does have an adverse effect on our lives. 

We may become more irritable, be quick to have a negative reaction to every bad thing, to react with negativity in our interactions with others. And slowly, that negativity will erode our happiness and self-esteem. 

So you may be wondering, what’s the meaning of “be kind to yourself”? 

Simply put, it’s to acknowledge and accept that we are imperfect people and that there’s beauty in that. We can’t live a life without mistakes or bad times; these are simply a part of the journey of life… and we should extend kindness and grace to ourselves when things are hard. 

Being kind to yourself means recognizing the good in you and your life; your strengths, your blessings. It means being your own best friend and cheerleader and creating a well of inner strength and positivity so that you can weather through the storms of life. 

At the end of the day, being kind to yourself is one of the greatest kindnesses!

And if you need a little inspiration, these be kind to yourself quotes (famous and otherwise) will surely give you a dose of inspiration!

Be Kind to Yourself Quotes to Lift You Up

  • “Most of the shadows of this life are caused by standing in one’s own sunshine.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson
  • “Remember, you have been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.” — Louise L. Hay
  • “At the end of the day, the only thing I ever wanted to feel was loved. So I think if I could give someone a piece of advice, it’s really learn how to be kind to yourself. In all of our ugliness and all of our brokenness and our bad choices, to really learn to nurture that part of yourself that can be your own big sister in a way.” — Sara Bareilles
  • “Be kind to yourself as you proceed along this journey. This kindness, in itself, is a means of awakening the spark of love within you and helping others to discover that spark within themselves.” — Tsoknyi Rinpoche
  • “You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” —Buddha
  • “You deserve greatness, so give it to yourself. We need to learn to stop feeling so guilty for being kind to ourselves. If you sit around waiting for someone to come and rescue you from yourself, life will pass you by − it ain’t gon’ happen.” — Chidera Eggerue
  • “A woman in harmony with her spirit is like a river flowing. She goes where she will without pretense and arrives at her destination prepared to be herself and only herself… My wish for you is that you continue. Continue to be who and how you are, to astonish a mean world with your acts of kindness. Continue to allow humour to lighten the burden of your tender heart.” — Maya Angelou
  • “Be kind to your body, gentle with your mind and patient with your heart. Stay true to your spirit, cherish your soul and never doubt yourself. You are still becoming, my love, and there is no one more deserving of the nurturing grace of your love.” ― Becca Lee
  • “There is nothing in nature that blooms all year long, so don’t expect yourself to do so either.”
  • “You can’t build joy on a feeling of self-loathing.” — Ram Dass
  • “Be kind to yourself. It’s hard to be happy when someone is mean to you all of the time.” — Christina Arylo 
  • “Recognizing your strengths will build your self-confidence, but don’t put yourself down when recognizing that somebody else is better than you at something.”  — Steven Aitchison
  • “A single act of kindness may seem like such a small thing, but so it the ember that starts a wildfire.” — Zero Dean
  • “Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are.” — Malcolm S. Forbes
  • “A loving person lives in a loving world. A hostile person lives in a hostile world. Everyone you meet is your mirror.” — Ken Keyes
  • “Transform your world by transforming your internal state. Start by learning to let go of negative self-judgment, and replace it with positive and loving thoughts about yourself. Be kind to yourself, and watch your external world change.” — Anita Moorjani
  • “Working hard is not a waste of time, but a state of mind. Keep pushing your limits until you reach the edge. Then be kind and rewind.” ― Ana Claudia Antunes, A-Z of Happiness: Tips for Living and Breaking Through the Chain that Separates You from Getting That Dream Job
  • “Go above and beyond for yourself! You do it for family, friends, and colleagues, but don’t forget about YOU. It’s important to include yourself… You are worthy of your own kindness, too!” ― Stephanie Lahart
  • “Be careful how you are talking to yourself because you are listening.”  — Lisa M. Hayes
  • “Life is determined to introduce you to your true self. Be kind.” ― Richelle E. Goodrich, Being Bold: Quotes, Poetry, & Motivations for Every Day of the Year
  • “The only person who can pull me down is myself, and I’m not going to let myself pull me down anymore.” — C. JoyBell C.
  • “Be kind to yourself, dear – to our innocent follies. Forget any sounds or touch you knew that did not help you dance. You will come to see that all evolves us.” — Rumi
  • “I am willing to release the need to be unworthy. I am worthy of the very best in life, and I now lovingly allow myself to accept it” — Louise L. Hay
  • “Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.” — William James
  • “Your problem is you’re… too busy holding onto your unworthiness.” — Ram Dass
  • “Plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.
  • ” — Veronica A. Shoffstall
  • “You are doing the best you can do right now. Stop beating yourself up.” — Steven Aitchison
  • “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.” — Wendy Mass
  • “Be kind to yourself and others. Come from love every moment you can.” — Deepak Chopra
  • “Be kind to yourself this evening. Buy something for yourself. Treat yourself to a meal. Look in the mirror and give yourself a smile.” — Yoko Ono
  • “When we are happy—when our mindset and mood are positive—we are smarter, more motivated, and thus more successful. Happiness is the center, and success revolves around it.”  — Shawn Achor

Create Your Own Inspirational Posters, Cards, Etc

How about having one of these quotes on a poster, card, cushion, or t-shirt so that you can see those inspirational words in your home or office?

Check out these shops on Zazzle that can customize a print, just for you!

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Be Kind To Yourself Quotes | Be your own cheerleader with these be kind to yourself quotes that will inspire you!