Write for Self-Compassion
Hello Dear One,
How are you? If you’d like a little help exploring your state of mind check-out last week’s letter.
Today I’m writing to you about self-compassion. Many of us are kind to everyone around us, but when it comes to ourselves we fall short. Our inner critic is real–and loud. When I was younger I wrote mean things in my diaries. I was mean about my appearance, my achievements, my worth. It was how I coped. The trouble was, I grew to believe in that version of me. I forgot what was real.
Biology underlines this: our brains are designed to let the negative stick and the good slide. Negative bias is why you can spend ages fussing over one thoughtless comment, compliments forgotten. And neural pathways form out of repetitive thoughts. That’s why we feel stuck sometimes, like we’ll always be a certain way. But, IT ISN’T TRUE.
By changing the way we talk to ourselves we can literally rewrite our story. Now, if I’m struggling, instead of judging and criticising myself, I write: Look how far you’ve come, I’m so proud of you.
Today’s exercise is designed to help you explore your relationship with self-compassion. Go gently.
I often extend this by choosing a statement which resonates, for example ‘I am strong’, and writing it out at least ten times.
Take time to be actively kind to yourself. It is not selfish. If you feel supported you’re better placed to support others. Thanks for being here.
All love,
Jo
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