Compassion can change the world. When we view the people we meet and situations we come across through a compassionate lens a lot can change. We become more understanding. More likely to see the full picture. More likely to reach the best outcome. If compassion creates such an impact when directed outward, it only makes sense that the same upliftment could be felt when we apply compassion to ourselves. You have to live with yourself every day - it helps when you are nice to you! While the logic behind this statement makes sense, many of us have a hard time being kind to ourselves. It can be easy to beat yourself up and hard to forgive, but you are deserving of love and compassion just like everyone else. If you find it hard, there are certain exercises you can practice. Here are a few of the most impactful.
Watch the Criticism
Criticism is easy to do when you are around someone 24/7. It’s not always a bad thing to be critical of behaviors and actions, but it can be easy to overly beat ourselves up. One good way of combating over-criticism is asking why we are currently critiquing and if it’s a worthy reason. Would we let someone else talk about us or our friends the way we are currently talking about ourselves? You can always strive to do better, but be easy on yourself!
Forgiveness
Forgiving someone who has deeply hurt us is one of the hardest things to do, but the power we receive when we release the negativity associated with the situation could light up a room for 38 years. Forgiving ourselves feels just as hard, but holds just as much power. It can be easy to reflect on every mistake you’ve made in your life - big and small. Failed relationships, hurt people, mean moments, and catastrophic let-downs may already be a part of our life story - but you can make amendments when applicable, learn from the mistakes you’ve made, and move forward as a better person.
Embrace Your Path
There are multiple roads that take you to your destination. It can be easy to feel like you’re not where you want to be in life and that you’re not doing all the right things to get there, but your path hasn’t been fully paved yet - you’re still making it! Take advice and think things over, but don’t spend so much time stressing that you are doing it wrong.
Write To Yourself
You know how good it feels to read nice things about yourself? Imagine how good it feels to read things from the person that knows you best - you! Taking the time to sit down and write out things that we like about ourselves allows us to really reflect and dwell in this moment of positivity. Have fun in the moment and remind yourself how amazing you’ve always been.
We hope these self-compassion exercises were helpful. Truth be told, we already think you’re pretty great!
Cover image from Andrea Piacquadio
