Hi Chris,
There is an aspect of personal growth I’m seeking. I think, honestly, just learning self compassion! I want to learn how to give grace to myself the same way I do for others!
Can you give me some advice?
Signed,
Seeking grace
~~~~~~~~~~
Love, love, love this perspective, seeking grace.
I think as we enter a new year, it’s a great mantra – self-compassion, to remind us of who comes first.
When you give grace to yourself, you truly understand it’s impact on others and you boosts its power.
So the question is…how do you want to learn self-compassion?
Wikipedia defines it as: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Self-compassion
In psychology, self-compassion is extending compassion to one’s self in instances of perceived inadequacy, failure, or general suffering.
When you perceive that you’ve done something that seems like a failure or some sort of inadequacy or even general suffering, how do you “soothe” yourself.
- How would you LIKE to soothe yourself?
- What tools will you have handy when things don’t go well or don’t feel well?
In my own life, I’ve tried to surround myself with tools that build me up or build me back up in the case of a stumble or fall.
One, I ask myself, “what’s the gift in this?”
This is helpful when something doesn’t work out. It’s especially useful when I’ve had a difficult conversation with a coworker or someone cuts me off in traffic.
Two, I find books that are fun and funny to uplift my spirits. I’ll share one, whose title is a bit risqué, to say the least…;)
It’s billed as a self-help book, believe it or not. Reading it makes me laugh out loud and puts things right back into perspective.
Finally, consider friends, pets, family and others who can remind you to be kind to yourself.
However, friends, pets and family have their own needs for grace and self-compassion. So being able to count on your own set of tools and resources, at any time, is an incredible gift to yourself.
Take some time now, before the beginning of 2024, and identify all the ways in which you can give yourself the gift of self-compassion, seeking grace. Then plan for them in your day or week.
What tool or action will lift your heart and soul, allowing you to fully enjoy and embrace all that you are?
Starting off the year with this approach will ensure you’re never without grace or compassion…
~ Let life love you!
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