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This post is an installment in our 52 Health Hinges series. Remember, “Small hinges swing big doors.”

“Continuous improvement is better than delayed perfection.” – Mark Twain

I have a confession. I used to be addicted to soda in a big way. So much so, that I truly don’t remember drinking water – ever – during my college years. I started with regular Coke, and gave myself a pat on the back when I transitioned to Diet Coke because I thought it was healthier.

It didn’t even occur to me what a toll this habit was taking on my body. Fast forward many years later, and I can honestly tell you that I haven’t had a soda in at least 10 years. And I don’t miss it.

This is one of many examples from my past life that were the inspiration for creating the “52 Health Hinges” series. A lot of little changes add up to big improvements over time. My journey to health has transpired over the last decade, one hinge at a time.

Each week, I’m going to share a healthy living idea with you. Some ideas are big, some are small. Take what resonates with you, leave what doesn’t. No one will be keeping score. Along the way, I’ll share some personal experiences to highlight which of the ideas have moved the needle the most for me.

Which brings us to:

Health Hinge #1: Be kind to yourself

Being healthy is more than just eating well. Starting today, be mindful of how you treat yourself. What do you say about yourself up there in your noggin? Are you frustrated about a number on the scale that isn’t moving? Are you beating yourself up about a meeting that didn’t go well? Do you spend your days taking care of everyone else and leaving no time for self-care?

Let it go, friend. Embrace your imperfections. In many cases, it may be that you’re the only one who notices or cares about your so-called shortcomings. 

Think about how boring life would be without the interesting imperfections that make you you.

This concept really hit home for me when I became the mother of a toddler with opinions and a personality. The things that I love the most about him are the crazy, quirky things that make him different from everyone else. My wish for both of my guys (I also have a 5-month-old) is that they grow up to be confident, kind men who fill their lives doing things that make them feel happy and loved.

Why should I have a different wish for myself?

Step one in practicing self-kindness is signing up for the “52 Health Hinges” journey. Done! Congrats! Let’s keep the momentum going.

Your mission for this week is to do something for yourself that makes you feel warm, happy, and loved:

• Take a walk
• Read a good book
• Learn something new
• Get a long massage
• Book a well-deserved vacation
• Tell someone why you love them
• Take a luxurious bath
• Volunteer for a cause you feel strongly about
• Cook a new recipe
• Anything

I’d love to hear about what you choose to do to be kind to yourself this week. Go to Facebook or Twitter and share what you chose and why with the tag #healthhinges. You might inspire someone else in the process (and that feels good, too)!

In closing, I’m truly happy that you’re joining me on this journey. Welcome! We’re going to have a blast.