29/05/2026
Sometimes the person we’re the least patient with is ourselves.
We can be so understanding when someone we love is struggling. We’ll remind them to rest, tell them they’re doing their best, reassure them that one hard day doesn’t define them.
But when it’s us?
We expect ourselves to keep going, hold it all together, know better, do better, be better.
We replay conversations.
We criticise our bodies.
We feel guilty for resting.
We judge ourselves for feeling overwhelmed.
We talk to ourselves in ways we would never speak to someone we love.
And most of the time, we don’t even realise we’re doing it -because that inner critic can start to sound normal.
So maybe self-compassion begins with noticing.
Noticing the tone you use with yourself.
Noticing when you’re pushing through instead of checking in.
Noticing when you need care, not criticism.
Ask yourself:
What would I say to a dear friend if they were feeling this way?
Would I tell them they’re failing?
Or would I remind them they’re human?
And imagine meeting yourself as a 5-year-old.
That little version of you - trying so hard, wanting to be loved, wanting to feel safe, wanting to know they’re enough.
What would you say to them?
Maybe:
“You don’t have to be perfect.”
“You’re allowed to make mistakes.”
“You’re still worthy when you’re tired.”
“You are not too much.”
“You are doing better than you think.”
Self-compassion doesn’t mean you stop growing.
It means you stop shaming yourself into change.
Because the truth is, we don’t heal by bullying ourselves.
We heal when we feel safe enough to soften, listen, learn, and begin again.
