How Do We Make Peace with Ourselves... Self-Compassion and Self-Acceptance

Recently, I have been thinking about self-compassion.

While getting my master's, I researched intuitive eating and how it relates to self-compassion, among other things. The research found that those who practice self-compassion are likelier to exhibit less disordered eating or eating disordered behavior. Does the research make sense to you?

You are the one person you will be with every minute of every day, for the rest of your life. It’s a good idea to find a way to love and honor yourself to enjoy life more.

When we feel hatred or shame towards ourselves, it is difficult to practice self-compassion. Yet, as I recently heard a colleague say, “You can’t hate yourself healthy.”

Practicing self-compassion and self-acceptance are acts of love.

One way to love yourself is to acknowledge any small steps you’ve taken towards self-compassion. Celebrate these steps no matter how big or small they may seem.

We all make mistakes or get stuck, and when we do, we can be kind and understanding toward ourselves. Treating yourself with loving care, as you would a best friend, can catapult you toward what matters most to you. Loving and respecting who you are now will help you become the person you want to be.

Most of us have a voice that chimes in and bullies us with self-criticism. Often, we don’t notice how this makes us feel and how useless it can actually be. Being mindful in each moment can help quiet that voice. Being mindful can open the door to a different way of handling life when it feels like you’re your own worst enemy. Try to notice when this happens, and know that you are human and doing the best you can.

When it feels difficult or overwhelming, try to be patient with yourself and keep practicing self-compassion. Do. Repeat. Mess up. Do again.

Remember, making changes is not linear. It’s windy, messy, challenging, and confusing. Don’t worry about messing up; keep moving forward compassionately. You can be your best coach. “You got this. Keep going!”

Your body knows what it needs, and you can trust it. You can learn how to trust your body's hunger cues to get off the endless cycle of dieting.

This ebook, 3 Ways to Get Out of the Endless Cycle of Dieting Shame and Body Blame, shares ways for you to get out of the endless cycle of dieting, body shaming and blame.

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