Practice selfcompassion from "summary" of The Confidence Code for Girls by Katty Kay,Claire Shipman,JillEllyn Riley
When we talk about self-compassion, we’re talking about being kind to ourselves, showing ourselves the same empathy and understanding that we would show to a friend who was going through a tough time. It means treating ourselves with the same care and concern that we would offer to someone we love. This might sound easy, but for many of us, it’s actually quite difficult. We tend to be our own harshest critics, quick to judge ourselves and slow to forgive our own mistakes. But self-compassion is crucial to building confidence. When we are kind to ourselves, we are better able to bounce back from setbacks and failures. We are more willing to take risks and put ourselves out there, knowing that even if things don’t go as planned, we will still be there for ourselves. Self-compassion allows us to be more resilient, more courageous, and ultimately more confident. So how can we practice self-compassion in our own lives? It starts with being mindful of our own thoughts and feelings. When we notice ourselves being self-critical or judgmental, we can pause and ask ourselves how we would respond to a friend in a similar situation. Would we offer them words of encouragement and support? If so, we can offer those same words to ourselves. We can also try to reframe our internal dialogue, replacing negative self-talk with more positive and affirming messages. Another way to practice self-compassion is to take care of ourselves physically and emotionally. This means getting enough sleep, eating well, exercising regularly, and engaging in activities that bring us joy and relaxation. When we prioritize our own well-being, we are better able to show ourselves the compassion and care that we deserve.- Self-compassion is a skill that we can cultivate over time. It takes practice and patience, but the rewards are well worth it. By treating ourselves with kindness and understanding, we can build the confidence and resilience we need to navigate life’s challenges with grace and courage. So let’s remember to be gentle with ourselves, to treat ourselves with the same compassion that we would offer to a friend. And in doing so, we will find the strength and confidence to face whatever comes our way.
