Are you self-critical or self-compassionate?

Logically, we understand the concept of self-compassion. But applying self-compassion is another story. Oftentimes, we are hard on ourselves. We criticize, judge, and put ourselves down. We make ourselves feel bad for things beyond our control, and minimize our positive qualities and efforts along the way. To be quite frank, at times, we can be down right mean to ourselves. But let's imagine if a close friend put us down in the same way. We probably wouldn't call that person a friend for much longer. If that behavior is not okay from others, then we must recognize that it's not okay coming from within either. Self-compassion is just giving ourselves the same grace, patience, and understanding that we are so willing to give to others. It's encouraging ourselves through our mistakes and picking ourselves up with kindness. It's acknowledging our good and celebrating our efforts. Self-compassion is about honoring our humanness.

Here are a few ways to be nicer to yourself:

1. Write a list of positive qualities you like about yourself. Elevate your positives and be proud of who you are!

2. Celebrate a win, no matter how big or "small".

3. Replace negative self-talk by speaking kindly to yourself. Speak to yourself like your own best friend.

4. Give yourself the benefit of the doubt. We are all doing our best.

Practicing self-compassion can feel foreign if you are used to being hard on yourself. Take it one day at a time. Show yourself the love and kindness you've always needed.