Reflect
For many people, self-compassion is an atrophied muscle. We say meaner things to ourselves than we ever would to anyone else. Yet how can we connect with others’ pain if we can’t open to our own? Too many times we’ve blocked a compassionate offer by dismissing our suffering with, “Oh, it’s nothing.”
Pray
Jesus, you told us to love others as we love ourselves.
But often we fall down in the “loving ourselves” department.
Help us there. Guide us to love even our flawed selves as you do.
Act
Follow the example of a neighbor or friend you’ve observed treating himself or herself with compassion.