You Need More Of This

This may not surprise you, but being a dick to yourself doesn’t really?do much good.

It took me too long to learn this, but when I did, it become the foundation from which everything good in my life was built on.

That foundation is self-compassion.?

Shame is a terrible motivator.?

But for years I would talk to myself in ways that I would never talk to somebody else.?

I?made myself feel bad thinking that it would make me want to do better.?

It didn’t work.

Instead, I?hid.?From my emotions, from my goals, from my responsibilities.?

When you talk to yourself like you’re nothing, you start to believe it and then you act in ways that support that belief.?

It’s a horrible place to be but it’s also hard to get out of.??

I?know I?am not alone here.?

In a world where we celebrate?achievement, set unrealistic expectations, and make?unhealthy comparisons, we can easily forget to be kind to ourselves.?

We will wear “Be Kind”?on a t-shirt or share the quote on social media, but not embed it into our own beliefs and actions towards ourselves.?

Self-Compassion isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity for emotional and mental well being.

It’s treating ourselves with the same kindness we would someone else during the bad days.?

And it’s recognising what we are going through without judgement or self-criticism.?

But it isn’t letting yourself off the hook easily as some people think it is.

Sometimes the kind thing to do isn’t the thing you want to do, it isn’t the easy option.

I?think people have this idea that mental toughness (resilience, grit, discipline, etc.) and self-compassion?are opposites.?

But they are different parts of the same whole.?

Self-compassion plays a crucial role in fostering resilience and emotional well-being. Research suggests that individuals who practice self-compassion are better equipped to navigate life’s ups and downs more easily.?

By offering ourselves compassion in tough times, we provide a buffer against negative experiences and reduce the impact of stressors on our mental health.?

Instead of beating ourselves up for our?perceived shortcomings or failures, self-compassion encourages us to respond with kindness and understanding, promoting healthier coping mechanisms and emotional regulation.

Let’s look at some more benefits:

Improved Mental Health: Studies have shown that self-compassion is associated with lower levels of anxiety, depression, and psychological distress. By treating ourselves with kindness and self-care, we cultivate a sense of inner peace and well-being.

Enhanced Emotional Regulation: Practicing self-compassion helps us manage difficult emotions more effectively. Rather than suppressing or avoiding feelings we don’t like, self-compassionate people approach them with openness and understanding, leading to greater emotional stability and resilience.

Stronger Relationships: Self-compassion not only benefits our own well-being but also improves our relationships with others. By extending compassion inwardly, we become better equipped to empathise with and understand the experiences of those around us. This creates deeper connections and promotes healthier communication and conflict resolution.

Increased Motivation and Growth: Embracing self-compassion encourages a growth mindset, where failures and setbacks are viewed as opportunities for learning and growth. Instead of being paralysed by fear of failure or self-criticism, self-compassionate individuals are more likely to persevere in the face of challenges and pursue their goals with resilience and determination.

Ok, so self-compassion is great, but how do you get some in your life?

Well, there’s no quick fix, it’s a skill that needs to be practiced, but here are some ways to do that:

• Mindfulness exercises
• Setting Boundaries?
• Prioritising restorative rest?
• Planning activities that being you joy
• Cognitive reframing techniques to challenge negative self-talk.?

OR…

I did a thing.?

Realising the importance of self-compassion and how life changing it can be, I?decided to do something to help people out.?

I’ve created a self-paced course that includes everything you need to become more self-compassionate and improve your relationship with yourself.?

There are 20 lessons and exercises (which only take about 10 minutes to compete) and all focus on the skills mentioned above to experience the benefits of being kinder to yourself.

These come in six modules:

1. Introducing Self-Compassion?
2. The Inner Critic.?
3. The Observer
4. Self-Soothing
5. Self-Compassionate Action
6. Integration in Daily Life

You’ll also get support from me and other people taking the course if you want or need it, and you can download the content at the end, keep it for life and keep working on yourself.?

The course opens on the 13th April and to celebrate the occasion I?am giving anyone that signs up ￡50 off.

On the 14th April the price will double.?

If you only do a lesson a day, you would still have a totally different relationship with yourself in just three weeks!

Tasty.

To find out more about the course, what’s involved, and take advantage of this intro offer, click on the link below.

Find out more about the Self-Compassion Pathway

If you’ve got any questions, please get in touch and let me know.?

Hopefully see you on the course.?

Thanks for reading this today, I?appreciate it.?

And do me a favour, don’t be a dick to yourself today.