Kind words cost zero.

When things feel heavy or confusing, a few gentle words can change the whole day. Kind words cost zero, and I want you to know that I choose them for you because they help us feel safer and braver. Sometimes I’ll say small things — not to fix everything, but to remind you that you are seen, you are allowed to feel, and you are not alone. Simple sentences stay with you: they can slow your heart, clear a fog, or turn a moment of discouragement into a step forward.

Here are some short phrases I use with you and that you can use with yourself or friends when life is hard: - “I see you.” “I’m proud of you.” “It’s okay to feel that.” “You’re not alone.” “Take a breath with me.” “We’ll try together.” “Mistakes help us learn.” “I love you, no matter what.” “You can ask for help.” “Thank you for being you.”

Words by themselves aren’t magic, but when they come with calm tone, eye contact, and a steady hand, they become a shelter. When you hear “I see you,” it means I noticed the real you beneath the tired or upset. When I say “Take a breath with me,” I’m giving you a little tool to calm your body. When I say “We’ll try together,” I’m promising to stand beside you while you practice something new or face something scary. Saying “I’m proud of you” after effort — not just success — teaches you to value trying. Saying “It’s okay to feel that” helps you name emotions instead of stuffing them down.

You can carry some of these phrases inside your head when you’re alone, or use them with friends who are having a rough time. If you’re upset, try telling yourself, “I can get through this one step at a time,” or “This feeling will pass.” If a friend is crying, you don’t have to fix it — “Do you want to sit with me?” or “I’m here” is powerful. Practice makes these words easier to give and receive. I’ll keep saying them to you because hearing them often helps your brain believe them. I’ll also try to show them: I’ll listen without rushing, I’ll admit when I’m wrong, and I’ll use calm words even when I’m frustrated.

No fancy speech or perfect timing is required — what matters is that kindness becomes our habit. If we teach children that words can be safe places, they grow into people who use them to heal, to encourage, and to connect. So I’ll keep speaking softly, praising effort, and reminding you that feelings are allowed. Those little phrases cost nothing but can give you a lot: courage, comfort, and the knowledge that you are always worth kind words.