Lesson 17- Speak kindly to yourself, Acknowledge your story

We are often incredibly harsh our ourselves. We are extra critical and extra judgemental.

Perhaps one believes that being harsh with yourself is some sort of punishment one deserves? Either way, it does not work.

Calling yourself names, and constantly highlighting imperfections leads to lower self-esteem, lower confidence and probably more insecurities. It leads to one feeling worthless, wrongly so!

Before you're about to say something negative to yourself, ask whether you'd be willing to say it to someone else close to you.

If all you look for is problems, then you will find problems.

But when you remember the good things about yourself, then the good things stand out.

The kinder you are to yourself, the more kindness you can authentically give to others.

Another way to be kind to yourself is to acknowledge what you have been through. Don't shove your story to the side because you think 'others have had it worse'.

Don't fail to acknowledge your feelings because you think 'I have no right to feel this way' or' it's something tiny'. It matters.

That does not mean feelings should dictate decisions, but remember to acknowledge them, and why you feel that way.

I believe that's part of being kind to yourself: not ignoring your own feelings and truth.

Be kind to yourself, and that kindness will overflow to others.

It is something I still struggle with to this very day.