Hello everyone,
My name is Jo and I would like to share some thoughts with you about self-compassion,
Especially when we're feeling overwhelmed,
Stressed and perhaps a bit invisible in our lives.
Life can be incredibly challenging,
Many of us juggling numerous daily responsibilities,
Work,
Family,
Relationships and personal aspirations.
It's easy to get lost in the mix,
Feeling unappreciated and exhausted.
I want to discuss self-compassion and how it can be a soothing balm for our weary hearts.
First let's talk about guilt.
Guilt can be a heavy burden,
We often feel guilty for not doing enough,
Being imperfect or needing a break.
But guilt doesn't serve us well,
It keeps us stuck in a cycle of self-criticism and blame.
Letting go of guilt starts with recognising we are human,
We have limits and it's okay to honour them,
It's okay to say I need a moment for myself.
Self-compassion means treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer to a dear friend.
Imagine your best friend is feeling overwhelmed,
What would you say to her?
You're likely to reassure her,
Tell her it's okay to rest and remind her that she's doing her best.
Now try to turn those same words towards yourself.
When we're in the throes of stress and fatigue,
It's crucial to be gentle with ourselves.
We deserve the same care and compassion that we extend to others.
Now take a deep breath with me and inhale slowly and hold it for a few seconds and then exhale.
Feel the tension begin to melt away,
If only a little.
Now think about one small thing you can do for yourself today.
It doesn't have to be grand,
It could be a short walk,
A cup of tea or simply sitting quietly for a few minutes without demands on your time.
These small acts of self-kindness can create a ripple effect,
Gradually bringing more peace into your life.
It's also important to acknowledge and validate your feelings.
If you're feeling unappreciated or unheard,
Those feelings are real and significant.
Find a trusted friend or mentor and a support community where you can share these feelings without judgment.
Sometimes just being heard can lift a tremendous weight off your shoulders.
Self-compassion is a practice,
A journey we embark on every day.
Some days it will be easier than others and that's okay.
What's important is that we keep trying,
Keep being kind to ourselves and keep recognizing our worth.
Remember you are deserving of love,
Care and rest just as much as anyone else.
Before we end,
I want to leave you with this thought.
Be gentle with yourself.
You are doing the best you can at this moment and that's enough.
Embrace yourself with compassion and understanding.
Let go of the guilt that holds you back.
You are worthy of love,
Including the love you give to yourself.
Thank you for listening and I hope you carry a bit of this self-compassion with you as you go about your day.
You may be interested in my five-day course,
Embrace Life with More Compassion,
To transform through change,
Where you will have access to tips and tools for ongoing personal development,
Including self-awareness practices and heart goal setting strategies.
