On the 7th April I had the amazing pleasure of talking with Kate. Kate is the face and voice behind Creature_of_kindness on Instagram. We got talking about lots of different things, including managing our own mental health, while juggling studies and work. Kate has a passion for helping, and to spread kindness to all. As well as managing this page using her own experiences, she also has been studying law and working. I was so impressed at how Kate finds time for it all, plus finding time to have a chat with me, but she did and here is how it went.
First things first, when did you start your page? and how did you decide the name for it?
I started on the 13th of January this year. The name was probably the hardest part, especially to find something that’s not already in use. Creature of kindness just popped into my head and because my ethos being the page was really to spread a bit of kindness it just felt right.
I love the name, and that it feels right means it encourages motivation as well.
Thank you!
What was it that made you decide to start your page?
Honestly, it was quite spontaneous. I’d been thinking about doing something to keep me occupied during the third lockdown and it was actually my boyfriend that suggested making an Instagram page to share some of my experiences and lessons I’ve learned. After a few days of thinking about it I just decided to go for it. I guess it was kind of a gut feeling telling me to just go for it.
That is amazing. Your page has grown a lot since January, what is it that keeps you motivated?
“I’d love to continue to make posts and build my page so that I can reach more people and spread some love and kindness.”
@Creature_of_Kindness
The growth of the page has been so unexpected and I’m so grateful for all the support and positive feedback I’ve received for it. I have connected with some amazing people and pages on here and getting to know their stories has been incredible. I also find it quite therapeutic for me to share some of my experiences and thoughts and if it helps even one person or I can make someone smile then it makes it all worth it. Meeting with others and getting to know their stories has been a highlight for me as well, I have to admit.
Other than the sharing of experiences, what have you been pleased to see with your page? is there anything that stands out to you?
I love seeing so many people dedicated to ending the stigma around mental health and promoting a world where everyone is kinder to themselves and others. Especially during lockdown after what has been an incredibly tough year for everyone, it’s restored some of my faith in the world.
It is so nice to see, and you are playing a massive part in that as well with your input too.
Thank you, and likewise with your page!
Thank you. So, with the concept of your page being about promoting positive mental health, how do you manage on days which are difficult? we all have them after all,
I have found that deep breathing and grounding techniques work really well for me when I’m feeling particularly stressed or anxious. I’ve also been working hard on shifting my mindset and looking at things in a more realistic and helpful way, instead of listening to my anxious or negative thoughts. I also try and be proactive about my mental health and set myself up on the good days, so I’m better equipped to handle the bad ones.
That is really useful, and great that you have learnt what helps you. What are your best hopes for your page in the future? where would you like to see it going in the future?
Honestly when I started the page I never even imagined getting this far! I’d love to continue to make posts and build my page so that I can reach more people and spread some love and kindness. I’d love to collaborate more with other creators too.
That sounds like a great hope. collaborating with others is brilliant to help build stronger messages and spread awareness I find. how about you?
Yes definitely! Especially teaming up with someone who has a different experience or maybe knows more about a particular subject than me so we can share knowledge.
Definitely, sharing knowledge and experiences is so valuable. I was wondering, is your page your full-time role?
I’ve actually been doing it alongside university, but I finished uni last week so I’m going to have a bit more time to spend on it until I go back to work.
oh yes, I remember you said you were studying.
So, I’ve just finished studying law and my hope is to go into criminal law (a bit of a contrast from this page which may surprise people.
That sounds sooooooo interesting. Thank you so much for talking with me,
Lovely, thanks so much! I really appreciate you writing this about my page.
It has been so nice getting to know you, and more about your page. I am excited to write this up.
“I love seeing so many people dedicated to ending the stigma around mental health and promoting a world where everyone is kinder to themselves and others”
@Creature_of_kindness
So Kate has a page full of inspiration, hope, and empowerment. You can take a look at her account here on Creature_of_kindness. You will find some self-care tips, along with some helpful words on mental wellbeing. I am so excited for the future of this page, and what posts are to come. I hope that you can all gain some strength from this page as I have done.
Butterflies With Rainbows 