Shine, you might as well. When I started my therapeutic counselling training in 2005 we were given folders filled with some of the materials we would need. The front page of the folder had this from author and spiritual leader Marianne Williamson written on it. I still read these words regularly. They still inspire me as much as they did the first time.

Learning self compassion is one of the most overlooked life skills, but also one of the most essential. In our current culture we are somewhat polarised, we do spend time on ourselves but sometimes it is more as an object rather than a human with a heart. Here are some tips to help you develop self-compassion. You can build these into your daily self-care routine.

Many years ago, I was bereft after a devastating loss. Depressed by the weight of my existence, as well as its lightness, I was unable to move forwards in life. As I tried to grapple my way through it, I cam across these words in a magazine. 

The risk it takes to remain tightly close in a bud is more painful than the risk it takes to bloom.

What strikes me is the simplicity of this. That all moments can be mindful. That instead of trying to finish something and get it over and done with, we engage with it in the moment, and notice it and feel it. Little moments like this add punctuation to a day and for me at least provide grounding, and nurture in every day tasks…

Prioritising self care alongside work and family life can feel selfish, indulgent, daunting even. It is essential, for you and for others. Self compassion should be easy, but somehow, for many of us, it isn’t. A small investment of time in self nurture is more likely to lead to you achieving your goals.

One of my all time favourite poems. When I read this I feel calm, small amidst the power of nature she conveys. The world goes on despite my small minded protestations. It helps me gain perspective. I almost feel wind in my hair as I read.