Increase Your Self-Compassion
Self-compassion is an overlooked skill that can really enhance the quality of your life. It gives you the strength you need to keep going despite life’s normal setbacks and obstacles. It also helps you be more compassionate with others.
And when you practice it, it can have a wonderful ripple effect on those around you - giving them the “permission” to be compassionate with themselves as well. It’s a win-win.
What exactly is self-compassion? It’s your ability to relate to yourself in a way that’s forgiving, accepting, and loving even when you fail, or when things are sub-optimal.
Dr. Kristin Neff describes self-compassion as “A practice of goodwill, not good feelings… With self-compassion we mindfully accept that the moment is painful, and embrace ourselves with kindness and care in response, remembering that imperfection is part of the shared human experience.”
How would you rate your level of daily self-compassion on a scale of 1-10?
What do you think is standing in the way of being more compassionate with yourself on a regular basis?
Many of us believe that being hard on ourselves and critical of our performance, weight, career, finances, and relationship status is helpful to creating the change we want. Sometimes our cultures reinforce this behavior.
Being self-critical may have even worked for a while, but at what cost?
My clients and I are learning over and over that not being perfect and failing is a NORMAL part of the human experience. And when we practice self-compassion instead of self-judgment, we have the energy to pick up and keep going.
It’s a practice, especially if it hasn’t been modeled to you throughout your life.
My favorite way to tap into what self-compassion looks like, is to imagine how my wisest friend, loving family member, or my future self would treat me given the circumstances. It’s a place to start.
And for extra boosts I like to return to the following thoughts:
“Change is never simple but it’s easier if I stop being hard on myself.”
“I forgive myself and accept my flaws because nobody is perfect.”
“I’m not the first person to feel this way, and I won’t be the last, but I’m growing.”
Invitation to Practice More Self-Compassion:
I love 30-day challenges.
So I invite you to think about the ways you could be more compassionate with yourself this coming month and how this would benefit you.
Brainstorm specific ways you can practice it in your life. Add a daily reminder in your calendar. Keep track of what comes up for you.
I’d love to hear how it goes and the ways it positively impacts you.
#selfcompassion #selflove