Reminder: Be Gentle With Yourself

Be gentle with yourself is a phrase I repeat in times of distress. It's a reminder to be self-compassionate when I’ve done something that led to an embarrassing mistake or worse! 

We have all had those moments. 

• We were distracted by a text just as our child shared an important detail from their day

• We misread the room and made an awkward comment in a meeting that embarrassed a co-worker

• We were found out in a white lie when making alternative plans with a friend

• We blamed our partner for not doing something we had committed to finishing ourselves

• We sent a terse email to a colleague after a difficult night with little sleep

It happens. We all make mistakes. We all do or say things we later wish we had not. Its OK. Part of our personal development is to learn and grow from mistakes.  

When I’m gentle with myself I; 

• acknowledge that it’s not easy

• ask how I can care for myself now

• reflect, learn, and make amends

• transform my negative thinking

• remind myself that when I am gentle with myself, I am kinder and more compassionate to others

Being gentle with ourselves is not an easy task. Reach out and connect with friends, family, community, or a helping professional for support. 

You might also enjoy this 10-Minute Compassionate Image Practice for Self-Compassion from the Compassion Institute.

Allow yourself to be seen, heard, and loved. You are so worth it!