The Power of Self-Compassion

If there is one thing I will bet on, especially in these times… it’s HEALTH.

I go all-in when it comes to my health & well-being, and with this newsletter, I invite you to do the same.

Whether you are seeking stress management tips, mindfulness practices, burnout prevention tools, or nutrition that supports your mental & physical health, my newsletter will provide this. Holistic Health will be the focus each month because it’s about mind AND body.

I hit the burnout wall. Hard.

After 15 years in corporate marketing & sales, as a high-achiever, I was an expert at pushing beyond expectations and striving for perfection. I thought I was superwoman and could find a solution to everything, yet was ignoring my own declining health.

With symptoms of exhaustion, lack of focus, chronic headaches, irritability, isolation, cynicism, and finally hair loss, I couldn’t hide it any longer.

Recovery took two years and this I don’t wish on anyone. It was TOUGH. Through the inner work came healing, which brought peace, joy, and purpose as well as clarity when I stepped into alignment and pivoted careers completely.

Today I’m committed to embodying sustainable success, just like you can too… because burnout is not a badge of honor.?

There’s a quote I love and want to share with you: “A healthy man wants a thousand things, a sick man only wants one” -Confucius

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So…

Around this time of year, many have tossed out their New Year's resolutions, and feel they are not as committed as they were 3 weeks ago. And the following often happens:

a lack of self-belief, a lack of worthiness, and judgment of failure start’s arising. One could say we act upon this frustration and beat ourselves up, speaking the meanest words to ourselves.

This is why I want to highlight the importance of SELF-COMPASSION this month.

The process of self-compassion begins with self-talk. How would you speak to an innocent child if they were coming out of a meltdown? Think about the loving words you would say to them. It’s about giving yourself that same kindness. Truly having grace and applying this compassion to yourself.

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Why is it important:

1. We are only human. When you realize that suffering, failure, and imperfection are part of the shared human experience, that can bring an understanding and acceptance to your journey.

2. The deeper connection you have with yourself, the safer you will feel leaning into your emotions and being with them. Whether it is pain or worry you have the awareness and can stop fighting the emotion, running from it, or dismissing it.

3. As you practice self-compassion and let go of judgment, the more you will be able to also feel compassion for your fellow friends, colleagues, and family in life.

Before we jump into the tips below, it’s important to highlight that we are unique individuals. One way might work for you vs. it will be a completely different practice for someone else. And that is totally ok. Think Yin & Yang.

How can we practice more self-compassion:

1. Think about how you would speak to a good friend. If they came to you with doubt, or failure, or seeking guidance. What would you say to them? Speak with that same kindness towards yourself.?

2. A comforting activity, like a massage or warm bath, even just reading a book that nurtures and brings peace to your day.

3. Speaking up on your boundaries, standing your ground, and protecting your energy, time, and well-being. Know that you are worthy.

As you can probably sense from reading this far, it starts with acceptance and the ability to turn understanding, forgiveness, and love inward.

So let’s make an active decision to be kind to our minds. Which tip are you going to take away and implement on your journey?

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Now…

Hello Healthy Eats:

Nutrition is such an important part of holistic health. And yes I absolutely practice and believe in the 80/20 rule because depriving yourself is just a recipe for disaster and serves no one. Are your eating habits supporting your mental health & well-being?

Here is my healthy and quick soup to warm you up on these cold winter days. (and yes this is the famous soup I cried in and posted about last week, read here :)

My friends and clients are obsessed with this recipe and you will be too!

February recipe:

LENTIL VEGETABLE SOUP

serves 4

1 tbsp coconut oil

1? cup red lentils

1 broccoli (whole)

1-2 sweet potatoes

1 tbsp grated fresh ginger

2 organic vegetable stock cubes

1 tbsp olive oil

? lemon

Handful of fresh cilantro

Salt & pepper

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Use a large pot and add coconut oil.

Add the dried lentils and toast them on medium heat for 1-2 minutes. (Watch- because they toast quickly!)

Add water, about 4-5 pint glasses, or fill 80% of the pot.

Add the chopped broccoli & sweet potato and stir together.

Turn to high heat.

Add the stock cubes and grated ginger.

Let everything come to a boil and stir occasionally.

Approx 20 min later, check the vegetables for softness.

Add fresh cilantro.

Mix everything with a stick blender.

Finish by adding the lemon juice and an additional tbsp of olive oil.

Taste.

Salt & pepper.

And don’t worry, there’s more where this came from. Each month you will receive a new healthy and simple recipe that supports your mind & body. So you run on the best fuel possible!

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When I’m not actively creating “Sustainable Success” newsletter, or on daily nature walks, I help creators & leaders reduce stress, prevent burnout, and embody SUSTAINABLE success. Gain peace & greater well-being so you can thrive and lead with presence.

Want to manage your stress and hit the brakes on burnout?

To learn more about my 1:1 Coaching and Workplace Wellness training, send me a DM/ email me at: [email protected] and I will share the details with you.

High-achievers high five* Here's to YOUR HEALTH!

In wellness,

Rebecca

#wellnessbyrebecca... follow this hashtag for Stress Management tips & Burnout Prevention insights.