"Love thyself" Have you ever practiced the art of self compassion? Can you look yourself in the mirror and love the person looking back at you?
Personal compassion is not thinking you are better than others, it is not about judgement or arrogance and it is not a weakness of character.
Self compassion is the ability to forgive your failings, to notice and name your short comings, but know that to err is human. Self compassion is being kind and understanding toward yourself even though you have made mistakes.
Dr. Kristin Neff from self-compassion.org says there are three elements of self-compassion:
1. Self-kindness vs. Self-judgment.
3. Mindfulness vs. Over-identification.
Self-compassion is a powerful way of looking at yourself and your behavior so you can better manage stress and bring the best version of yourself to all of your activities. It requires not over-identifying with feelings, but rather acknowledging them and moving on.
When you stop criticising yourself and realise that your limitations are part of being human and we all share the same fate, then you will be able to feel compassion for yourself and others in what we commonly know as life.