Self-Compassion - The most underrated emotional skill!
Let’s talk about Self-Compassion!
How can you show compassion to yourself in this challenging moment? (I asked one of my amazing coaching clients yesterday.)
"I don’t know. I really don’t know. I think it would help, but I don’t know how to do that for myself,” my client replied.
I have this dialogue at least once a week in my coaching conversations.
And it makes perfect sense—no one ever teaches us the skill of self-compassion. And yes, it is a skill that we can learn, just like many other emotional skills.
Sometimes we mistakenly believe that self-compassion means letting ourselves off the hook, avoiding responsibility, or not caring about our behaviors and performance. That couldn’t be further from the truth. By nurturing self-compassion, we build resilience, foster inner strength, and enhance our overall wellbeing. 🌱
The harsher and more critical we are with ourselves, the greater our need for self-compassion. ❤️🩹
✅ Where do we start in understanding self-compassion?
Self-compassion involves treating ourselves with the same kindness, understanding, and care that we would offer to a loved one going through a difficult moment.
▪ Treat yourself as you would a family member.
▪ Treat yourself as you would a close friend.
▪ Treat yourself as you would a child in pain
↪ The last one is my favorite one, as we tend to be our kindest when supporting children in navigating their suffering.
✅ What does self-compassion feel like?
▪ It feels like giving yourself permission to be human, to have flaws, and to experience a full range of emotions without judgment.
▪ Self-compassion feels like giving yourself a hug—a warm, supportive embrace that offers you comfort in times of difficulty.
✅ How does self-compassion sound like?
▪ "It's alright to feel this way; it's part of being human."
▪ "You're doing the best you can, and that's enough."
▪ "You deserve kindness and understanding, especially from yourself."
▪ "Mistakes are opportunities to learn and grow."
▪ "It's okay to take a break and rest when you need it."
▪ "Your feelings are valid and important."
▪ "You don't have to be perfect to be worthy of love and respect."
▪ "Be patient with yourself; change takes time."
▪ "It's okay to not have all the answers right now."
▪ "Remember, it's okay to ask for help."
▪ "You are enough, just as you are."
➡ Which of these messages of self-compassion do you struggle to believe? 💬
That one might be worthy of your exploration.
Let’s Talk
Are you interested in exploring self-compassion in more depth? Are you ready to start the coaching process and begin to build this essential emotional skill? Get in touch—we can discuss your needs and goals and find ways to personalize this process so you can get the most out of it.
