How can YOU be Better to YOU?

Most of us treat friends and relatives, even strangers better than we treat ourselves, especially when we make a mistake or face life's challenges. I am the first to acknowledge that I am harder on myself than I should be. Sometimes we do things for so long and talk to ourselves in the same way that it becomes an unconscious habit.

Think about the challenges you face daily.

We all have them and some of us move through them with grace and compassion and others make a bad situation worse by blaming themselves and being self critical. We know we should talk to ourselves like we would to a friend but what I have been finding helpful lately is talking to myself like I would a young child, acting as that wise inner parent to myself.

Other ways to practice self compassion...

• Write a letter to yourself

• Give yourself a hug

• Take a time out or deep breath.

• Imagine how you might comfort a child who is struggling for whatever reason.

• Call or text a friend.

• Validate how you are feeling - don’t try to figure it out or stop feeling it, just practice reminding yourself that how you feel is legitimate and OK and that the feeling will pass

When we are trying to do any kind of inner work it takes some time to learn and practice new skills. Don’t expect perfection. Practice self soothing, taking good care of yourself as you would a child. And make time to play. Play is healing :)

~ Laura, Clinical Therapist

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