Embracing Kindness

Welcome to February JAWS family!

High school can feel like a whirlwind—between classes, homework, sports, and social pressures, it’s easy to forget one important thing: kindness. Not just to others, but to yourself as well. Being kind can make all the difference in how we feel about ourselves and interact with the world around us. Here's how you can embrace kindness both toward yourself and others:

1. Be Kind to Yourself

It’s easy to be hard on yourself, especially when things aren’t going as planned. Maybe you didn’t get the grade you hoped for, or you didn’t make the team. But remember, making mistakes is part of growing. Instead of focusing on what went wrong, be gentle with yourself. Tell yourself, “It’s okay, I’ll do better next time.” Try to avoid negative self-talk, and instead, replace it with affirmations or words of encouragement. You’re doing the best you can, and that’s enough!

2. Spread Kindness to Others

You never know what someone else is going through, so a simple act of kindness can mean the world. It could be a compliment, offering help with a project, or even just listening when someone needs to talk. These small gestures can help make someone’s day better—and they often come back to you when you need them most.

3. Practice Patience

Life can get stressful, and sometimes that means snapping at people around you. But remember, kindness also involves patience. If you feel frustrated, take a deep breath and give yourself a moment to calm down. Then approach the situation with a clear, kind mindset.

4. Show Yourself Compassion

Just like you would support a friend who’s struggling, it’s important to show yourself compassion. If you mess up or feel overwhelmed, take a moment to acknowledge your feelings and remind yourself that you’re human. Allow yourself to rest, recharge, and reset.

Kindness isn’t just about big gestures—it’s about the everyday choices you make. By being kind to yourself and others, you’ll create a positive environment that benefits everyone, including you. So, start small: a smile, a kind word, a moment of patience. You might just find that kindness is contagious, and before you know it, your school will feel like a more caring, supportive place for everyone.

Resource Roundup: Nurturing Kindness

Explore these carefully selected resources for parents and students of all ages, designed to inspire and cultivate kindness:

• Seeking Kindness
• Ways to Be Kind
• How Self-Compassion Supports Academic Motivation and Emotional Wellness

For more resources, check out the Kindness page on the NLPS website.

Reflecting on Last Month: Your Insights Matter!

In January, we embraced a healthy lifestyle. Share your experiences: How did our previous mental health blog post impact your family? Your feedback and ideas are treasured. 

Connect with Our Student Advocacy Counsellors: Reach Out for Support

Need guidance or wish to discuss well-being? Our Student Advocacy Counsellors are here for you. Reach out at Heleme.Fyith@nlsd.ab.ca and Ashley.Gordey@nlsd.ab.ca or call 780-623-4271. Let's continue our journey of kindness and positivity together.

Here's to a February filled with heartfelt gestures, shared smiles, and a tapestry of kindness. Let's make the world brighter, one act of kindness at a time!