Life is a whirlwind of responsibilities, commitments, and unexpected challenges. In the midst of this chaos, it's easy to forget about taking care of ourselves. We often prioritize the needs of others, neglecting our own well-being in the process. That's why it's crucial to be gentle with yourself and embrace self-care, even in the midst of a busy and chaotic life.
I had every intention of being more involved with this blog this year. I had topics to cover, thoughts constantly whirring in my head, but...nothing came to be with most of that. And, I don't know about you, but sometimes it's hard to find self-compassion and understand that stuff sometimes slips. Especially given how busy everyone can be. Given how tired we can be after work, we might cancel a date (or, in my case, the writing of a blog post).
So what does being gentle with yourself mean? Let's work that out...
The Art of Self-Compassion
In a world that often glorifies productivity and achievement, we can be incredibly hard on ourselves when we don't meet our own expectations. However, being gentle with yourself means practicing self-compassion. In the words of one of my best friends, "Would you talk to your best friend like that? No? Then don't talk to yourself like that."
When you make a mistake or fall short of your goals, remind yourself that it's okay to be imperfect. Instead of beating yourself up, acknowledge your efforts and learn from the experience. Embrace self-compassion as a tool for growth and self-improvement. Accept what is, what you can or can't change, and make the best of it.
For me, I needed the hiatus to settle into a new job, catch up with friends and family, and just sleep, honestly. While I touched on it before, I was burned out at my last job and am trying to not burn out at my new gig. I think being gentle with myself and understanding my blog is something I want to, a hobby, helps with that. So, going forward, I am going to commit to at least 2 posts per month, but hopefully do more. Gotta stay gentle with myself.
Surrounding Yourself with Support
Being gentle with yourself also means surrounding yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, or even a therapist. Having people who understand and validate your experiences is so important and oftentimes reassuring. And, let's be honest, reassurances are always a good thing to have when trying to be softer with yourself.
Embracing Imperfection
Lastly, being gentle with yourself means embracing imperfection. Life is messy, and we are bound to make mistakes along the way. Instead of striving for perfection, focus on progress and personal growth.
Remember, you are a work in progress, and each step, no matter how small, is a step forward.
In Conclusion...
Life may be busy and chaotic, but that doesn't mean we should be overly hard on ourselves for not accomplishing what we thought we would. Being gentle with ourselves and showing ourselves compassion is essential for maintaining our overall well-being. Embrace imperfection and remember that you deserve to be kind to yourself. In a world that demands so much from us, being gentle with ourselves is a powerful act of self-love.