Self compassion and kindness….

If I were to ask you what are you most proud of, or what is a quality in yourself that you have worked the hardest to develop, would it be easy for you to answer?

We tend to be most critical and judgemental of ourselves. I was speaking with a client the other day and we were talking about the progress that she has made and some of the goals that we had set in place when we first started working together. I found that despite many little milestones along the way, she was very hung up on the fact that there were still things she has not yet achieved. She struggled with comparing where she was at to where someone else was and focused on the obstacles that had been there along the journey. It was very obvious that being critical of herself and generally unkind to herself was causing her to have difficulty celebrating small wins, and ultimately ever reaching her biggest goals. It wasn’t until we flipped the script that she truly started to understand.

I asked her, if this was your daughter or your friend…. and they had accomplished what you have (both big and small), would you be proud of them? Would you cheer them on and see them as strong, resilient, and brave? We must be kinder to ourselves….compassionate and self loving just as we are to others. It starts with you.

Self-kindness is an essential practice that encourages treating ourselves with the same compassion and understanding that we would offer a friend. It involves acknowledging our imperfections and embracing our vulnerabilities without judgment. By giving ourselves permission to be human, we cultivate resilience and a healthier mindset. Practicing self-kindness helps to reduce stress, enhance emotional well-being, and fosters a more positive relationship with ourselves and others. Incorporating acts of self-kindness into our daily lives empowers us to navigate challenges with grace and to celebrate our successes, no matter how small. Remember, kindness begins within.