A Moment for Self Compassion

Take a moment to think about how you've talked to yourself today, or even in the last hour. Were you kind? Did you offer yourself love and understanding like you would to a close friend? Or were you admittedly mean--even a little? Did you insult specific parts of your body or the way your hair is laying today? Did you tell yourself to be quiet, that you're stupid, or you're awkward?

We are usually a lot more critical of ourselves than we are to anyone we love, even if we know on some level that we should love ourselves the most. There are so many reasons this could be happening including how others have talked to us, how society treats us, and how we may not accept ourselves completely.

Now imagine knowing yourself well, even the parts you are afraid to explore. Imagine loving all of those parts without exception. This doesn't mean you don't want to grow or develop. It means that you understand yourself and can offer compassion to who you are in this moment.