Self-Compassion: on the road to self-love

I used to criticize myself because I thought it would motivate me. What I found was that this voice became a part of my internal narrative. I no longer believed in myself because I fed myself negative thoughts and I didn't validate my feelings. Self-compassion has walked me through feelings of discomfort and through insecurities.

Some might think, "I need to push myself to get results. How can I say all this mushy stuff?" I've thought the same thing. I can still push myself without being negative towards myself. Not only am I kind to myself, but I'm also able to recognize the common experiences that we share as people.

Self-compassion looks like this:
KINDNESS TOWARD YOURSELF: Acknowledge what you're experiencing without self-judgment

CONNECTEDNESS:
Recognize your experience as a shared human experience and how others would feel similarly

IDENTIFY YOUR FEELINGS FROM AN OBJECTIVE STANCE:
This detached nature of identifying your feelings can prevent you from being overwhelmed by them.

HOW ARE YOU NON-JUDGMENTAL WITH YOURSELF?!

You Deserve A gold star!

We all work hard. We all deserve a gold star for waking up and for putting in the time every day.
Here are some ways to integrate self-compassion into your lives:

1) Write a letter to yourself:
Be non-judgmental and compassionate with yourself and focus on writing down what you would tell a friend.

2) Find a bracelet or rubber band. Every time you have a negative thought, switch the bracelet/rubber band to the other wrist.

3) Observe this negative thought and rephrase it, "Huh, that's a judgmental thought. What do you need? Comfort? Safety? Love?"

You have something to offer!

You are perfect as you are, whether or not you're struggling. You have special things to offer, experiences that others can relate to and ways to connect with others.

Here are 3 ways that helped me get to a place of self-love:
1) I started acknowledging that my feelings are valid.
2) I began sharing more openly with others.
3) I wrote down things that I was proud of myself for doing. I started writing down things that might be easier or harder for others like getting out of bed and taking a walk.

You are perfect with all your imperfections. (Adapted from John Legend)

In this packet, you will access a series of exercises...
So that you will CHERISH every moment.
You will learn what YOU NEED.
You will FLOURISH no matter what emotions come your way.

I'M READY TO FEEL!