Be kind to yourself - but what does it mean?

In a world that pushes us to everything except truly being kind to ourselves, this is my invitation to clients after most counselling sessions I do.

Why, may you ask?

Because in our often unconscious and deeply ingrained thoughts and beliefs, we are VERY hard on ourselves.

So much so that we do, say, or don't do many many things because we are led by this deep feeling of worthlessness / being not good enough / a failure / unlovable.

Then we beat ourselves up for these things we did, said or didn't do. I call this the cycle of doom.

My view is that breaking this cycle of doom starts with gently, telling ourselves that there is a reason why we do, say or don't do things.

And that the reason is not that we are worthless / not good enough / a failure / unlovable.

It is that we have grown up to feel that we are these things. This, to me, is learning to be kind to ourselves.

And I truly believe that it is the best gift we can give ourselves - day by day, one step at a time.

If you are finding it hard to be kind to yourself, get in touch with me to discuss how counselling can help you. I offer counselling sessions in person in Melbourne (Camberwell) and online.