Is self-compassion part of your daily life? If not, you’ll probably have to re-consider. You see, friends, self-compassion is the level of kindness you extend towards yourself. From 1 to 10, 10 being the highest, how kind are you to yourself?
Self-compassion is treating yourself with kindness and understanding. Your ability to practice self-compassion also allows you to become more compassionate towards other people. Like I always say, you cannot pour from an empty cup. By being kind to yourself, you protect yourself from self-sabotage and the perils of mental health concerns.
Self-compassion should be practiced consistently, especially when things don’t go the way we imagined. Self-compassion lies in the little things like choosing not to overthink, choosing not to respond to e-mails beyond work hours, dedicating time for rest, and exercising our bodies. Self-compassion allows us to be present at the moment. When we can do things mindfully, we train our eyes to see and appreciate the small things.
Self-compassion should be deliberate. We need to work on it even when it feels like the hardest thing to do. When you’re swamped with work and your to-do list seems to go on and on, do you pause to recalibrate or push yourself to move forward? It is never wrong to give your best but be mindful of your boundaries. Pushing may not always be the best option. Pushing yourself to the point of breaking down can be unhealthy or unhelpful.
When pushing further and propelling forward is not the best solution, then we must opt for gentleness. There are moments when we have to accept that our hearts, minds, and bodies can no longer go past a certain point. We have to learn how to recalibrate ourselves and choose to sit down and focus our minds on something more helpful. Self-compassion also paves the way for a more meaningful and purposeful life. This allows us to be the best person for ourselves. We become someone not easily swayed by what society, family members, or friends dictate.
Self-compassion may be difficult to practice but being mindful helps. I challenge you to reflect on the following:
Check how you talk to yourself. Check your thought patterns. How do you see yourself? What are the things you say to yourself? Self-compassion is cultivating a relationship with yourself. Do you talk to yourself in a kind tone or a degrading manner?
See things that are life-giving and uplifting. Check how you uplift yourself. How do you cheer yourself on? How do you boost and encourage yourself in times of joy and frustration?
Appreciate the little things. Celebrate your small wins daily. If you have 10 things to do and you managed to accomplish only three, do not be disheartened. Those three things took time and effort. That is worth celebrating. It may not be big but the small things are just as important.
Be patient with your growth and progress. Don’t scrimp yourself on affirmations. It’s a way to love yourself. Being kind to yourself is choosing to tune in to your progress no matter how small.
Check if you manage to respond first before you react. Don’t jump to conclusions too quickly. Choose to understand and think clearly.
Choosing to be self-compassionate towards yourself is never a choice you’ll ever regret making. It is always worth it. – WITH PAU DE VERA