Self-compassion means that we are kinder to ourselves and gentle and understanding when looking choices we have made. Accepting that we all make mistakes and rather than changing deep-rooted values we focus instead on changing of oneself.

If you don’t love yourself, you cannot love others. You will not be able to love others. If you have no compassion for yourself then you are not able of developing compassion for others. – The Dalai Lama

Self-compassion is not selfish, we need to look after ourselves before we can look after others. Developing a sense of understanding, kindness and patience towards ourselves and others has been found to positively influence our mental health.

You are deserving of love and goodness, you are enough!

Accept yourself and all your imperfections. Take a moment to pause and appreciate your worth.

4 SELF-COMPASSION STEPS

Step 1: Express Gratitude. Rather than wishing and hoping for all the things you don’t have, appreciate and take the strength in accepting all you do have right now.

Step 2: Stay in the present moment. Be mindful. Allow your thoughts and worries to float in and out. Don’t try to change them, Validate the thought and let it go. Be aware of what’s happening in the present moment and without judgement toward oneself.

Step 3: Embrace change. Having an open and curious mindset is more helpful. View challenges as ways to grow and learn. Rather than criticising yourself or others, look for successes and strengths.

Step 4: Understanding that you are good enough. You do not need to be a certain way in order to receive love. Be gentle with your shortcomings. Stop punishing yourself.

There is no sense in punishing your future for the mistakes of your past. Forgive yourself, grow from it, and then let it go. – Melanie Koulouris