The Duplicitous Nature of Compassion

What is the one gift we are so willing to give to others yet seldom give to ourselves?

Love.

Most of us would think nothing of offering a kind heart to others in need, especially to those closest to us. We’d readily be available to a distressed friend, offering our unconditional love, support, and encouragement, even if all we could provide was a shoulder to cry on. We’d do whatever we could to help them up.

Would you be willing to treat yourself the same way?

When it comes to ourselves we often create a cruel double standard. Somehow we believe others are more worthy of our love and compassion than we are. We support our friends during their times of emotional need yet when we could really use a friend of our own we are nowhere to be found. Instead of picking ourselves up, how often do we beat ourselves down, reminding ourselves of our own perceived shortcomings and all the mistakes we’ve made, which continue to show up because we perpetuate them as we unconsciously empower them to do so?

“If someone talked to you the way you talk to yourself, you would have kicked them out of your life long ago.” – Carla Gordan

We all want to live in a better world. To build a better world we need to build better people. And that starts with you. And me. We need to work on ourselves to become more kind, loving, forgiving, supportive of our own self. We need to be softer and more patient with ourselves, to give ourselves the space we need to be human, to move beyond the “woe-is-me-I’m-flawed” mindset and embrace the perfection of who we are, especially in those times when we feel anything but perfect.

We need to treat ourselves like our own best friend.

The foundation of inner peace is built upon the development of unconditional love for yourself. Yes, I drive myself crazy sometimes. Yes, I make my share of mistakes and questionable choices. And when I do I’ve learned to treat myself the same way I would a close friend who was troubled and could use a little comfort and reassurance instead of a verbal tongue lashing.

Give to yourself the love and compassion you so freely give to others.

It’s a great day to be you!