Self-Compassion and Gratitude

In these difficult times, one thing I have found to be really helpful (even more than normal!) is to remember self-compassion and gratitude. But what does that mean and how? Here are some ideas that I find helpful:

Self Compassion 

It's OK that despite being stuck at home you haven't cleared out every cupboard, studied for an online diploma or spent 5 hours a day joining Zoom workout classes. Each day is still the same length, you are still you. It's likely you haven't suddenly sprouted superhero/superparent/superhuman wings or conjured up endless motivation. And that is OK! What else is OK is spending more time reading, watching Netflix, having 2 baths a day (ahem) and re-establishing everyones favourite friend, 'the nap'. Being compassionate to yourself is an activity in and of itself and a valuable one at that. It also leads to more productivity and motivation in the long-term as you learn to listen to what your body says and make space and time to just 'be'. Yes, doing nothing can be useful! One mantra I find really helpful, which comes from Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), is to say to yourself 'Even though [insert negative thought or event here], I accept myself anyway'. Accpetance really is a game changer. Try writing some sentences down with any common negative thoughts or worries you have. It isn't about denying the problem, it's about  offering yourself space to be you  with all the beautiful things you are despite the problem.

Gratitude

If you don't already have one, I recommend starting a gratitude journal. I try to write down 3 things each day that I am grateful for. They don't need to be major accomplishments or events, this is about the small stuff. The feeling of the sun on your face, the Watsapp message from a friend, the birds that eat the leftover pasta you put out (I mean, they seemed to like it....!?). And don't be all modest with this either. If you have just washed your hair and it looks lush, be grateful for your hair! As a challenge, you could try right now to write down 100 things you are grateful for in 10 minutes. Notice how you feel afterwards.

This 'event' is open for you join- now, tomorrow, next week- any time you want. And the best things about it: it's free, you don't need to go anywhere and you can taylor it to fit with you and your life exaclty as you need it to.

Love, light and gratitude,

Abi