Practicing Self-Compassion

Contributed by Sonya Connelly, Community Outreach Coordinator

Starting my journey of being more present in my life, I would and sometimes still struggle with what to do when life is hard. I wanted to be in the present but didn't know how to navigate the tough times without avoiding, wanting to exit, or pretending all was ok. When I discovered the practice of self-compassion, it really helped me walk through those tough times with honesty and a bit of hope. It's been a journey of befriending myself: giving myself what I need, celebrating my highs, and caring for myself during the lows as I would a friend.

Self-compassion involves directing kind, thoughtful regard toward ourselves. Instead of harshly self-critiquing ourselves when we fail, make mistakes, or feel inadequate, we respond with kindness and understanding. We offer ourselves support and encouragement as we would a friend rather than being judgmental or dismissive. 

Studies show that self-compassion is a powerful tool for coping and building resilience, significantly enhancing mental and physical well-being. It inspires us to pursue personal growth and achieve our goals—not out of a sense of inadequacy but because we care about ourselves and strive for happiness. It also allows us to be more compassionate towards others.

Here is a link to learn more about how to actively bring more self-compassion into your everyday life. Below are a few reframed statements that are a helpful place to start when treating ourselves as a friend.