Self-compassion is one thing that we might find exceptionally difficult through stroke recovery.
What is it?
Self-compassion could be having an understanding of yourself through recovery.
We often find we have judgments and expectations based on our pre-stroke selves,
Our pre-stroke lives and abilities,
And being aware,
Being aware of these judgments and expectations arising and having that self-compassion and that understanding come in and recognizing that we aren't our pre-stroke selves.
Self-compassion may be bringing mindfulness and kindness into recovery.
That same kindness you may have towards fellow stroke survivors,
Embodying that within yourself.
Self-compassion may be finding balance between determination and acceptance.
Recovery is a choice that you will make over and over again.
Having compassion as we make this choice over and over again will help to make mindful steps through recovery.
As we take those mindful steps,
Keeping those mindful steps small.
You are not just a stroke survivor.
You are also a daughter,
A son,
A parent,
A reader,
A wise soul.
Stepping through recovery compassionately creates a supportive foundation for self-care and keeping in mind compassionately through recovery that it takes valleys to create peaks.
Building self-compassion offers support for the nervous system and you deserve it.
You deserve it as you have value and you have value regardless of where you are at in your recovery.
We are here together as survivors.
Supporting the nervous system is a valuable part of recovery to manage stress levels and mental health.
Having yourself,
Your energy,
Your wellness,
Physical and mental wellness be a priority.
We can bring self-compassion into our lives,
Into our energy,
Into our being by working towards loving who we are right now,
Today,
And who we will be tomorrow,
Next week,
Next year.
As we bring those small steps through recovery,
Welcoming the balance between opening to change and staying a path.
Recovery may look a certain way one day,
Maybe that recovery looks a different way the next.
Finding balance by treating yourself as if you will recover completely but not holding the bar too high that it feels unachievable.
Finding some self-compassion through having trust and faith in recovery and in yourself.
When you notice these judgments,
These expectations,
Arise,
Take a moment to ask the ego to stay at the door.
Find self-compassion by celebrating all of the little successes,
Every small step.
Bring awareness with that self-compassion by checking your self-talk.
Tell the negative committee that meets inside your head to sit down and shut up.
With that,
Also acknowledge.
Acknowledge what that self-talk is,
What it's like each day.
I see you,
I feel you,
I recognize your concerns.
Bring in that self-compassion by beginning to practice acceptance and practicing that acceptance in small steps.
Maybe begin by being open,
Being open to begin practicing acceptance.
Being open to finding a way to practice acceptance.
And when we celebrate those small accomplishments,
Celebrate large and loud.
Find pictures,
Find small notes,
And have that celebration handy.
Remind you of that faith,
That trust in recovery in yourself.
You can find self-compassion by building a self-compassion toolkit.
What makes your heart smile?
Those you love,
Something to do.
Those things that make your heart smile,
Have them handy and within reach every day.
We can find self-compassion by offering acts of kindness towards ourselves.
Asking,
What do I need right now?
And asking for help with those needs.
Being mindful of the ebb and flow through recovery.
Recovery is not always linear,
So we're going to find that ebb and flow just as we find those valleys to reach those peaks.
And we'll be understanding through recovery.
Having notes of reminders,
Such as finding tiny moments of self-compassion.
Having self-compassion come with the breath.
And letting things be good enough.
