On Thursday March 19, I shared my presentation entitled “ Self-compassion With no Limits “ 

When it comes to our own self-compassion, it may truly be one of the most important parts of our personal mental health.  

I know when I am experiencing a rough patch, the best thing for me to do is to be around friends and family who appreciate me for who I am, and realize what great qualities I possess. When you are in a bad place, try to remember that the way you talk to yourself really matters. Learn to talk to yourself with more kindness. We also should try and recognize the effects of negative self talk and of treating ourselves badly. If you are a person who appreciates a good hug, try and receive and give hugs when you are in a bad way. If you are wanting to give someone else a hug, just remember to ask permission first. Sometimes just the act of physical touch can help us to feel better when we’re being hard on ourselves.   

Kindness Letter….. One of the helpful things you can do to increase your own self-compassion, is to write yourself a “ kindness letter “. This is a letter you can write to yourself, to help you get through the tough times.   

Benefits of a kindness letter.   So, what are some of the benefits of a kindness letter?  

1) It can help you stay on track. 

2) A kindness letter will help you feel better when you are down, or at your worst.   And it can also be a pep talk to yourself. 

Your kindness letter to yourself should be filled with kind words that will help you continue to be your best. 

The letter should show yourself empathy for the distress you are experiencing.

It should also say something really, really kind to yourself.  And make sure and read your letter out loud to yourself when you are finished. 

     I have to tell you that I really love this idea of writing a kindness letter to ourselves. So, I felt I would try to set an example for you by writing my own kindness letter to myself, which I would like to share with you below;

 Hi Steve, 

I know a few years ago, you were really having a tough time with things in your life. But try to remember that all people tend to struggle now and then, even though others may appear to always “ have it together “. Things are not always as they may seem ! All of us are imperfect souls, trying to make our way through life’s ups and downs the best we can. Just try to remember you can’t always meet the high expectations of others, nor should you give yourself the burden to do so. Please don’t forget how far you have come on your own wellness journey! Remember when about five years ago you were really, really struggling just to make it through each day? These days you are living your best life, you are thriving and giving back to the community, while earning the respect and admiration of others every day! Your family and friends see you as a loving and caring person, with a willingness to support and nurture others when they need it. Be sure and show yourself the same kindness, empathy and respect you so willingly give to others. After all, don’t you feel you are just as worthy of your own kindness? Remember, you have all of those self-care tools in your toolbox to help get you through the hard times. And don’t be afraid to reach out to your family and friends when you need them. They are there to support you! 

 My best to you my friend! 

I personally felt really good about writing my own kindness letter. I was amazed at how easily the words flowed when I began to write. Even though I wasn’t really struggling when I wrote it, I can see where my letter would be a good source of support for those times when I really do need it.