February is Annual Boost Self-Esteem Month. To observe it, Kindness-Compassion-and-Coaching.com is publishing a series of posts about the many aspects of this intriguing subject. If you would like to read the series from the beginning, please start with: Self-Esteem: What You Need to Know and Secrets Revealed. Today’s article includes a step-by-step guide that describes how to practice self-compassion and begin to heal your self-esteem.
If the topic of self-esteem interests you, be sure to subscribe at KindCompassCoach so you don’t miss a post in this month-long series.
“Believe in yourself and all that you are. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle.” – Christian D. Larson
How to Practice Self-Compassion to Nurture Self-Esteem
Practicing self-compassion involves treating ourselves with empathy, kindness, and non-judgmental acceptance, just as we would a close friend or a child.
It can help us manage difficult emotions, overcome negative self-talk, and cultivate a more loving relationship with ourselves.
Unfortunately, if we are not used to practicing self-compassion, or raised to treat ourselves with kindness, self-compassion may seem daunting, unfamiliar and uncomfortable.
It’s important we get past that part, because the long-term impact of sustained self-compassion – improved self-esteem – is literally life changing.
How to Practice Self-Compassion: A Step-by-Step Process
1. Recognize Your Self-Criticisms
How to practice self-compassion begins with noticing the ways you criticize yourself or judge yourself harshly.
Pay attention to negative self-talk and observe how it affects your mood, behavior, and sense of self-worth.
Be aware of when and how you engage in self-criticism, without judgment or criticism of yourself.
2. Acknowledge Your Emotions
Allow yourself to acknowledge and accept your emotions, without judgment or criticism.
Recognize that all emotions are valid and that it’s normal to feel a range of emotions, including sadness, anger, frustration, and anxiety.
Allow yourself to feel your feelings, rather than suppressing or denying them.
3. Practice Self-Kindness
Treat yourself with kindness and support, just as you would a dear friend during a difficult time.
Use positive, supportive language when speaking to yourself, and cultivate self-compassion in your thoughts, actions, and words.
Practice self-kindness daily as an intentional act of self-care.
4. Accept Imperfection
Realize that nobody is perfect, and everyone makes mistakes or experiences setbacks.
Accept your imperfections and embrace the lessons they offer.
Growing through adversity is an essential part of the human experience and can be a catalyst for personal growth and self-discovery.
5. Offer Yourself Forgiveness
Offer yourself forgiveness for any mistakes or regrets you may have.
Recognize that self-forgiveness is a critical component of self-compassion and self-care.
Allow yourself to let go of past wrongdoings and beliefs, cultivating a sense of peace and freedom.
6. Let Go of Comparisons to Nurture Self-Compassion
Avoid comparing yourself to others, recognizing that everyone has unique strengths and weaknesses.
Let go of the need to measure your worth against external standards or expectations.
Embrace your individuality and develop a sense of self-worth independent of external validation.
7. Practice Mindful Self-Awareness
Practice mindful self-awareness, cultivating a sense of presence and non-judgmental awareness in your daily life.
When negative self-talk appears, shift your attention to your experience in the moment, rather than engaging in self-criticism.
8. Prioritize Self-Care
Prioritize self-care practices that nurture your physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Enjoy activities that replenish your energy, reduce stress, and cultivate self-compassion.
This may include practicing yoga, meditation, going for a walk, journaling, or taking a warm bath.
Understanding how to practice self-compassion can helps us to see life differently.
Accepting that we are worthy of self-love and then treating ourselves kindly and fairly can be the beginning of a helpful, healthy, journey towards healing and peace.
How to Practice Self-Compassion
Practicing self-compassion requires intentional effort, patience, and acceptance. But the investment is well worth it, as it helps us to cultivate a healthier and more loving relationship with ourselves. Indeed, practicing self-compassion is one of the purest acts of self-love and self-acceptance.
Surround yourself with a compassionate support network that can offer guidance, understanding, and encouragement during difficult times. Reach out for professional help if and when you need it.
Self-compassion is a lifelong practice that can enhance our resilience, mental well-being, self-esteem and overall life satisfaction.
If you’re ready for the next post in the self-esteem series, it’s ready for you:
How to Practice Self-Compassion in Daily Life
Thank you as always for reading.
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Joan Senio is the founder of KindCompassCoach. Her career includes 20+ years as a health care executive and 15 years (and counting) as a consultant. The common thread through Joan’s professional life has been a commitment to lead, mentor and coach current and future leaders, and women from all walks of life. KindCompassCoach provides information and advice grounded in Joan’s personal experience; however, all articles are backed by research and provide facts and advice from a wide variety of experts. Joan also serves as a thought-leader for KuelLife.com and is a regular contributor to PsychReg and Sixty and Me.
One Response
This is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning about self-compassion. The eight-step guide is clear, actionable, and provides practical tools for self-reflection and emotional well-being. I particularly appreciate the emphasis on treating ourselves with kindness and understanding, which is crucial for fostering healthy self-esteem and positive mental health.