Noticing Life’s Lessons: Choosing Kindness and Playfulness

It was midnight, and there I was, hosting an online corporate relaxation workshop.

It was an experience that reminded me just how much growth and insight can come from unexpected moments. And while it did not go quite as I had planned, it turned out to be one of those quietly profound experiences that leaves you thinking long after it’s over.

The group I was working with was based in the US and included people who had lived through severe trauma and PTSD.

Normally, I encourage participants to keep their cameras on because it makes playful activities easier and helps create a sense of connection in the “room.” But, something in me instinctively knew this group might feel safer without that level of visibility. So, I extended the invitation but didn't push it.

And I was right.

For the whole hour, not a single camera came on. Just me, my screen, and silence.

At first, I will admit, it felt strange. Almost jangly. My “worry brain” piped up quickly: They must have left. They are bored. They hate this. It’s amazing how fast we can turn on ourselves in moments of uncertainty.

But, instead of spiralling, I shifted into a more helpful headspace. The group had asked for mindfulness and relaxation, so I leaned into that truth. I put aside the interactive elements I had planned and built something calmer, quieter, softer in the moment.

And here is the magic: at the end of the session, the chat box lit up. Warm, thoughtful, beautiful comments poured in. People shared what they had taken from the experience, how much it had helped, how much they had enjoyed it. One person even told me I have a "smooth" voice. (That was a first, and I’ll take it!)

Lessons in Disguise

That hour at midnight gave me more than a late bedtime. It gave me reminders I want to carry forward into both my work and my life.

• Prepare yourself well, but remain flexible enough to adjust the plan.

• Stay in the moment instead of fighting it.

• Notice the anxious thoughts, but do not believe them all.

• Talk kindly to yourself when you feel shaky.

• Keep going, because often, the gift is waiting on the other side.

Why Self-Kindness Matters

In a world that often feels heavy and harsh, the way we speak to ourselves matters more than we realise. It’s so easy to default to criticism or to assume we are failing when things feel uncomfortable. But what if, instead, we chose kindness? What if we let ourselves play a little, adapt a little, and trust a little more?

That night reminded me that uncomfortable moments often hold the richest metaphors. They are not signs that we are failing. They are invitations to soften, to stay open, and to discover strength in unexpected places. And maybe, just maybe, to accept the compliment when someone tells you your voice is smooth ;-)

In conclusion, choosing kindness and playfulness may seem like a small gesture, soft sparks against a hard, unyielding backdrop. Yet, these qualities are far more than pleasantries. They are quiet acts of courage, tools for connection and self-trust, and ways to reclaim our humanity.

Playfulness is not about ignoring reality; it is about meeting it with curiosity and lightness. Laugh at mistakes, try new ideas, and see challenges as puzzles. It turns tension into creativity and stress into possibility.

Kindness is subtle but radical. A smile, a listening ear, or a word of encouragement can break walls of cynicism and remind someone that they are not alone. Small gestures ripple outward, creating warmth in unexpected ways.

Together, playfulness and kindness help us navigate life with joy and connection, even when the world feels heavy. They remind us that life can be lighter, warmer, and deeply human.

Happy Healthy Holistic is here for all your corporate wellbeing needs. Whether you are looking for a stress management workshop, desk yoga, on-site chair massage or a fun, interactive wellbeing workshop, we have you covered.

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