Photo by Mina Ivankovic on Unsplash - Image by @upklyak on freepik
Becoming a better person and establishing a positive connection with our future self are two essential aspects of a fulfilling life. By merging these ideas, we can cultivate lasting happiness while fostering kind behaviours towards ourselves and others…
- Foundation -
Kindness towards ourselves and others is the foundation upon which positive and fulfilling relationships are built. Research shows that acts of kindness release beneficial hormones like oxytocin and endorphins, thereby enhancing our overall well-being. These acts of kindness become a self-reinforcing habit, encouraging us to continue these virtuous behaviours.
Additionally, our relationship with our future self can benefit from this kindness. By cultivating kind behaviours now, we lay the groundwork for a more harmonious and satisfying future life. Every act of kindness can thus be seen as a gift to our future self.
- Connection -
We often tend to sacrifice the present for an idealized future, a phenomenon known as « hyperopia ». We believe that happiness is something we will achieve later, thus neglecting opportunities to appreciate the present moment. This mistaken perspective can make us forget that every positive action taken today is an investment in our future well-being.
To strengthen the connection between our present and our future self, it is helpful to visualize the best version of ourselves in the future and begin working towards its realization now. This process allows us to understand that the efforts we make today, whether it's becoming more patient or empathetic, directly contribute to the quality of our future life.
- Gratitude -
Politeness and gratitude play a crucial role in maintaining a positive and respectful attitude towards others. Expressing gratitude and being polite fosters an atmosphere of respect and cooperation. Similarly, taking the time to note what we are grateful for improves our mental and emotional well-being, thereby enriching our daily experience.
These practices are not limited to immediate social interactions. They also set a precedent for our future self. A grateful and polite attitude today can help build strong and lasting relationships, which will be a source of support and happiness in the future.
- Compassion -
Compassion towards others and ourselves is essential for creating an environment where kindness can flourish. It is important to avoid harshly judging others' mistakes or excessively criticizing ourselves. By adopting a more patient and understanding attitude, we create a space conducive to kindness.
Likewise, for our future self, taking care of ourselves today by showing compassion and accepting our imperfections helps build a solid foundation for a serene and fulfilling future.
- Cultivating patience -
It is important to remember that the journey towards a better version of ourselves is an ongoing process, not a destination to be reached quickly. Let's be patient with ourselves. Returning to this kind attitude will allow us to overcome difficulties without becoming discouraged.
- The Golden Thread -
Our identity is shaped over time, marked by moments of change and evolution. Like « Kintsugi », a Japanese technique of repairing ceramics with gold powder, each stage of our life adds value to our personal story. This golden thread symbolizes the continuity and coherence between our past, present, and future.
By adopting this perspective, every effort to become a better person can be seen as a way to honour this golden thread. By practicing kindness, gratitude, and establishing positive habits today, we enrich our personal story and make more rewarding and authentic our future self.
- Concrete actions -
To become a better version of ourselves, it is essential to translate our intentions into concrete actions. Let's start with small steps: a smile at a stranger, spontaneous help to a colleague, or a moment of reflection on our daily achievements. These small actions, repeated regularly, gradually build a positive and kind mindset. By setting clear goals and committing to achieving them, we get closer each day to the person we aspire to become.
Conclusions
Integrating kindness, compassion, and gratitude into our daily lives while cultivating a conscious connection with our future self creates a virtuous cycle. Every positive gesture we make today enriches our present and paves the way for a fulfilling future. By taking care of our well-being now, we offer a better future to our future self, thus weaving the golden thread of our life journey.
What do you think?