Compassion is a word that we hear so often throughout our lifetime. We’re taught to show compassion to those in our workplace, school settings, family units, community, and many more. We’re taught to create relationships and be likable (people pleasing at its best!), and that we must extend compassion and kindness to those around us. As the idea of compassion becomes such a familiar trend in something we show others, it is essential to recognize if this is something we are giving to ourselves. The idea of giving ourselves the same love and grace we give to others is known as “self-compassion.” It is the idea that even in the most challenging times, we recognize that we are human and give ourselves the compassion we need to keep going.
As you read, reflect on these few things.
Am I giving myself the same compassion that I give to others?
Am I allowing myself to be human and make mistakes?
Am I showing kindness to myself even during challenging periods?
Do I find myself being overcritical in moments when I could be speaking more kindly to myself?
Often, it is so much easier to be harsh on ourselves without recognizing how much we encounter in life. After saying something unkind to myself, a friend asked me, “Hey, would you say what you just said to yourself to me?” The obvious answer was no, but it made me think more about how the words I was saying to myself were far from compassionate and loving. I needed that reminder to be mindful of how I could be kinder to myself.
If you’re anything like me, I encourage you to practice being kinder to yourself. Be patient, give yourself grace, and speak good things into your life. Self-compassion may look different for you in every season, but I’m here to tell you that you deserve it. You deserve to be celebrated and loved even when you may not feel deserving. Take that break, grab a cup of coffee, tell yourself those affirming words you need to hear, and don’t look back.
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