Q: Often we set higher expectations for ourselves than we do for others. Try instead to treat yourself the same way you would treat a close friend. Don't say anything about yourself (out loud to others, or even just in your head) that you wouldn't say about someone you care about. Scientists have proven that by focusing on developing and appreciating our strengths, we are more likely to live fulfilling lives. Make a list of three of your strengths. These can be specific (such as, "I am good at chess") or broad (such as, "I am courageous"). Include at least one specific and one broad example on your list. Stop and appreciate these parts of yourself. Say out loud, "I like that I am courageous." Brainstorm one way to further develop each of these strengths. If you listed "I am good at chess," consider entering a chess tournament. If you listed "I am courageous," perhaps go white water rafting. If you are not okay with being you, there may some guilt living under the surface. Forgiving yourself is not easy, but it can be transformative. In order to try to forgive yourself, perform a ritual release. Write a letter confessing your secret. Explain everything you feel guilty about in vivid detail. Destroy the letter. Send it into the ocean or burn it. Say to yourself, "I put my guilt in the past." Repeat this ritual as many times as you need to. Many people have internalized the belief that taking care of yourself is selfish. When in reality, being kind to yourself is one of the most responsible things you can do. If you take better care of yourself, you will begin to feel worthy of such care. As a result, you will soon be okay with being you. Here are some ideas: Set specific times when you don't work. Give yourself permission to relax during these moments. Work out. Get those endorphins pumping! When you do make it to the gym, thank yourself for showing up. Get enough sleep. Don't sacrifice this essential human need. Plenty of sleep will help you stay physically and emotionally strong. An affirmation is a simple, positive, present tense statement about yourself. Think of such a statement and use a dry erase marker to write it on your bathroom mirror. Say it out loud first thing in the morning, and again every time you enter that room. It is okay to feel silly at first! This feeling will pass, and in time, this will help you be okay with being you. Some examples include: I am a good writer. I am a strong person. I love you, ____ (fill in your name).
A: Be your own friend. Celebrate your strengths. Forgive yourself. Be kind to yourself. Make an affirmation.

Q: If it starts raining and you see someone stuck beneath the eaves of a shop because they were not expecting the storm, duck inside a convenience store and purchase an umbrella for them, if possible (and one for you, if necessary). Give them the umbrella so they can go on their way. When your birthday or holidays draw near, your friends and family might start asking you what you want. Ask them to make a charitable contribution to an organization of their choice (or of your choice) instead of getting you a gift. There are many ways to become a mentor. For instance, if you're a strong reader and writer, you could help out a young person who you know needs help writing an essay for school. If you know a teen neighbor needs help finding a job but their parents are too busy, you could teach them how to browse classifieds, develop a resume, and dress properly for an interview. If you have a valuable skill set, you could put your abilities to work as a volunteer with an organization. For instance, if you're a lawyer, you might offer to help out at a nonprofit that needs help with a legal matter. If you're an electrician, you might be able to help fix electrical problems at your local homeless shelter or soup kitchen. If you see someone waiting at the bus stop or trying in vain to hail a taxi, pull over and offer them a ride to their destination. The stranger is even more likely to appreciate and accept your offer if the weather is poor. Contact local music venues and ask if they would be willing to host an event for a charity. Once you've secured a venue, contact some local musicians and ask if they would be interested in performing in a charity concert. Once you have three or four bands or musicians available, advertise the event on social media and in local papers. Donate the ticket sales to a worthy charity. Encourage musicians and music venues to participate in your event by reminding them that while they won't make money directly from ticket sales of the event, they will get positive exposure. Music venues, additionally, will earn money from the sale of food and drinks during the concert, while musicians can sell their records and other merchandise. Identify charities that match your interests, then research each to ensure they are legitimate. Check each organization's website for a clear mission statement and lists of its programs, board of directors, and accomplishments. Find out how you can make a donation by checking the organization's website. The easiest way will probably be to use a credit card, PayPal, or another digital payment service. Many charities also accept checks or money orders. If you can't find information online about how to make a donation, call the charity's offices directly and inquire about how to do so. Use a third-party site like CharityWatch or GuideStar to identify charities and nonprofits that are legitimate.
A:
Give an umbrella to someone who doesn't have one when it's raining. Ask for donations instead of gifts on birthdays and holidays. Become a mentor to a child. Offer your professional services for free. Drive a stranger home. Host a music festival and donate the proceeds to charity. Make a charitable donation.