Are we Curious with ourselves? Are we kind?

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Sometimes the person we are hardest on is ourselves. Particularly when we’re trying to live in a way that’s aligned with our values. Feeling passionate about doing the right thing and wanting to deliver on this and contribute something meaningful can find us pushing ourselves to the limit. But if we push ourselves so hard that we fall over, we won’t be any help to anyone.

I also see that the pace of life lends itself to constant striving for the next thing without stopping to appreciate what you have achieved. So rather than stopping to appreciate the steps forward (as small as they might be), you focus on what you haven’t quite reached.

Photo by Daria Pimkina on Unsplash

Funnily enough, when we are curious and kind to ourselves and do stop to recognise the small wins along the way rather than berating ourselves for not achieving our goal yesterday, I find it can give us a new and interesting perspective. Just that opportunity to stop, reflect and congratulate yourself on the tenacity it has taken to get you where you are I find not only benefits you from a self care perspective, but this pause also helps to review the path taken, and it may very well give you some ideas about how you can approach the path ahead.

I love Brene Brown’s quote; 

“…sometimes when we are beating ourselves up, we need to stop and say to that harassing voice inside, “Man, I’m doing the very best I can right now.” ”

Where in your life can you recognise that you are doing the best you can and afford yourself a little bit of the kindness that I am sure you offer to others. Perhaps spend some time journaling about this. You might want to use the following prompts:

• If I was talking to a friend what advice would I give them right now?

• What am I doing really well right now?

• What would it look like if I was kind to myself?

• What steps have I taken?

• What has surprised me about what I have achieved?

• What have I learnt along the way?

I am sure you will be surprised by what comes up.

Photo by sydney Rae on Unsplash