Self-Compassion is Key to Healing Your Relationship with Food and Your Body

Today, I want to chat about something that can truly transform your life: self-compassion. I know, I know, it might sound a bit cliché, but hear me out because this stuff is powerful!

Now, most of us are great at showing compassion to others, but when it comes to ourselves? Not so much. We’re often our own worst critics, holding ourselves to impossible standards and beating ourselves up when we fall short.

But self-compassion isn’t about thinking we’re flawless or always doing the right thing. Nope, it’s about accepting ourselves, flaws and all, and treating ourselves with the same kindness and understanding we’d show a good friend.

One of the hallmark principles of self-compassion is shared humanity. Meaning, it’s important to recognize that our struggles are common human experiences–we’re not alone! We’re not worse than everyone else or especially broken.

EVERYONE makes mistakes.
EVERYONE has flaws and weaknesses.

When it comes to body image, the majority of women in our culture struggle to some degree because of the cultural messages about female bodies.

When I was younger, I used to feel so ashamed of growing hair on my big toes and under my belly button. It felt like I was the only one and so it felt wrong and gross! But now I realize that’s common. (Remember, media is NOT an accurate representation of most real women!

For example. say you have the thought that your thighs are too big. A self-compassionate reframe to that thought could be:

“My thighs are the way they are, and I am working on accepting that. They’re strong and capable, allowing me to move and experience life. I appreciate them for all they do for me, regardless of their size.”

So, how about allowing yourself to be human (and to have rolls, body hair, and wrinkles!)… and give yourself some compassion instead of so much criticism? I can promise from my personal experience learning self-compassion over the last several years, it can change the way you think, feel, and live!

P.S. Check out these FREE guided self-compassion meditations by self-compassion guru, Dr. Kirsten Neff: https://self-compassion.org/self-compassion-practices/#guided-practices