As Thanksgiving approaches, we think of gratitude for others, and for what we might have, but few, if any of us, will practice self-gratitude.
Admit it! It feels weird, awkward or maybe you think it's being narcissistic if we acknowledge ourselves.
I would argue that offering ourselves some self-gratitude is an act of kindness for yourself, and that helps you to be happy and thrive.
Treating yourself with self-compassion pays dividends into all aspects of your life and relationships.
Dr. Kristen Neff, in her book: "Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Yourself" (2011) suggests that we need to treat ourselves with the same kindness and compassion as we do our good friends.
So here's the question:
Can you stop judging yourself?
Can you accept yourself just as you are, with an open heart?
Not good or bad, just authentically you?
Compassion is first the recognition of suffering and then feeling kindness toward those who are suffering.
We, as Rotarians, practice compassion regularly through fellowship and service.
Self-compassion then, is that same practice, directed inward.
And it’s just as important to do that for ourselves as it is to offer it to others.
What if you began to recognize when you're suffering?
Could you maybe practice some self-compassion?
How hard would it be to give it a try?
Shifting our perspective is never easy, but wouldn't a little more self-compassion feel good?
What's one small step that you might take in this direction this week?
Wishing you a week of compassion- towards yourself!
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