2. Learn Self-Compassion

We take care of the things we care about. Maybe your dog is important to you – so you take him on walks, give him baths, play with him, and I’ll bet you also give him lots of love. 

When he misbehaves do you tell him, “You’re such an idiot. I can’t believe you did that. You’re always misbehaving. What use are you anyway?” That sounds harsh, doesn’t it? 

But many of us routinely talk this way to ourselves when we mess up. 

What if we could talk to ourselves the way we talk to our most cherished pet, or best friend? Think about your best friend. Does he or she put you down and criticize you? Do they use shame? Most likely they don’t. Most likely they tend to see the best in you. What if we could learn to talk to ourselves that way? What would that sound like for you?

I learned a lot from Kristen Neff about self-compassion. She’s written a book and has a Ted Talks. Click here for some amazing guided meditations and exercises from Neff.

If you’d like to learn how to use self-compassion in your daily life, call me.