Self-compassion

Entry: 2/25/2020 2:03pm

On a daily basis my task list can be a mile long... like many of us the goal is to tackle everything on that list but also “doing the list” well! From the perfectly arched brows, prim and proper bows in the girls’ hair, bubbly greetings to the Day Care teachers, being the “always on” role model for my work team, executing contracts with precision and communicating with confidence, squaring away dinner, at home cleaning what I can, completing the assignments needed for my third and final collegiate degree, bath time, story time (and much more in between) all to do it over and over again. Sometimes, something very important gets lost in the shuffle. Somewhere between checking in with friends and family, being accessible to my husband, managing a household and more... that thing that often gets lost is ME. I’ve found that my focus often goes on the million and one things that I have to do, no matter if I’m truly in need of rest or a break. The thought that I must keep going in order to present well, often leaves me over-spent and purely exhausted. If I were to see a friend of mine running at both ends I would probably tell her; “Girl you need to chill” and take some time for herself yet, being that it’s me, I keep going. Commitment after commitment and project on top of project, all while trying to be super Mom, boss lady and desirable wife!

Compassion is one thing that I’ve been lacking. That genuine and all encompassing compassion for myself. To be ok with “sitting down”, breathing and pushing aside a chore for the best benefit of my emotional, physical and mental health. Compassion is a few things: understanding, care, concern, warmth, love, mercy, tolerance, kindness, humanity, gentleness, leniency, tenderness and empathy. These words speak to all that we need to be towards ourselves! All of the things that I need to be towards myself.

So tonight, I am making the commitment to take my sleep-deprived self home and nap while the babysitter tends to the kids. Yes, I want to engage with them after a long day but if I’m not sleeping, the fumes that I’m left with running on aren’t doing a bit of good to anyone, especially those counting on me and most importantly I do myself a disservice when I don’t look after my well-being.

I hope that you join me in being more mindful of the self-compassion and self-care that you show yourself. Simply be understanding, kind, take good care of YOU and show yourself a little mercy!!

You are awesome and deserve this!

Lovingly,

Candace