We have a saying at our house, “Be kind to your future self.” Usually we are referring to some sort of household chore. Perhaps there are clothes in the dryer and we don’t feel like hanging them up right now. We might say, “Be kind to your future self.” This means if we hang the clothes now, we won’t have to hang them later on (and remove the wrinkles after sitting in the dryer). Or maybe there are dirty dishes in the sink, but we are really tired and just want to go to bed. If we are kind to our future selves and wash the dishes after dinner, we won’t have to worry about them the following day.
This bit of advice could also help improve many other areas of our lives. Our health for instance. If we get up and exercise, instead of making excuses, we are being kind to our future selves. Or if we cut back on eating sweets, we are being kind to our future selves. Learning to drink plenty of water each day, is something my husband and I have been doing, and this is also being kind to our future selves.
Another area where this might be helpful is in our goals and dreams. I am sure you have heard the saying, “Do something today that your future self will thank you for.” What is one step you can take today to get closer to accomplishing your dreams and goals? Sign up for a class. Start writing that book. Work on designs for your portfolio. This is being kind to your future self.
It would also be helpful to remember this principle in our spiritual lives. Being kind to your future self might mean spending time with God every day, reading the Bible, and praying. Or perhaps it could mean reading a Christian living book, listening to a good sermon, or even going to church. With any step we take in our spiritual lives to draw closer to God, we are sowing a seed, and it will always produce fruit.
The Bible says that we will reap what we sow. And being kind to your future self falls in line with this principle. If we sow good seeds, we will reap good rewards. If we sow bad seeds, we will be lacking when harvest time comes.
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. – 2 Corinthians 9:6
What can you do today to be kind to your future self?
© 2020 Bridget A. Thomas
Photo courtesy of Pexels.
Christians Read 
I like this – ‘Be kind to your future self’. Besides applying it spiritually, on a lighter note am going to try using it on myself when I feel like eating unhealthy and will surely try it on my son at some point 😊.
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It is a good motto to keep in mind. Right now many people are more intentional about washing their hands and not touching their faces. So this too is being kind to their future selves. I hope this saying helps you.. and your son! 😁
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“We have a saying at our house, “Be kind to your future self.””
Wha—?? That’s awesome! I love this motto, especially because I am usually thinking of my present-self. Must learn to love the future me, too. 🙂
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Very good point! We all tend to look out for our present selves. We want instant gratification. We do so many things to please ourselves right now. But in the long run, if we are being kind to our present selves, does this mean we are not being kind to our future selves? In many cases, the answer is yes. If we want to buy a new outfit, we might be hurting our budget. If we eat a piece of cake, we might be blowing our diet. It takes balance and discernment. Thanks for commenting! I am glad you enjoyed the post!
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Thanks for reminding me I need to get that book edited today! Being kind….
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I am glad you enjoyed the post! Sometimes it just takes one small step in the right direction.
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What an awesome saying! So wise.
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Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed the post! ❤️
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Gonna start writing that book! This is a good read! Thanks Bridget for the wisdom and encouragement! ❤️
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Thank you! I am so glad to hear that this post inspired you! Best wishes in your book!
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