5 Soulful Reminders About Self-Compassion
Let’s be real for a second...
self-compassion is one of those things that sounds lovely in theory, but when it comes to actually practicing it? That’s a whole other story.
Most of us are running on fumes, giving everything to our families, our friends, our colleagues or clients, and then maybe, maybe offering ourselves whatever scraps of energy we have left. I see this all the time with the people I work with, and I’m not immune either. I’ve done the whole "I’m fine" routine more times than I can count, when really I was anything but.
So this week, I’m bringing awareness to the stories we tell ourselves about what it means to be kind to ourselves. The myths we’ve absorbed. The rules we’ve internalised. And the truth that actually sets us free.
Here are five myths I’ve had to gently call BS on (sometimes daily) and the truth I come back to when I catch myself spiralling into old patterns:
1. "If I'm kind to myself, I'm just being self-indulgent."
Truth: Self-compassion isn’t about bubble baths and choccie every time life gets tough (though let’s be honest, those can help!). It’s about making choices that support your long-term well-being. Sometimes it’s doing the hard thing, like saying no, setting a boundary, or not people-pleasing your way into burnout.
2. "It’s selfish to focus on my needs."
Truth: This one hits hard, especially for the nurturers and givers out there. But the truth is, when you honour your own needs, you show up with more to give — not less. You’re not meant to run on empty. You’re meant to thrive.
3. "Self-compassion means I’m being weak."
Truth: There is nothing weak about meeting your pain with love. In fact, it takes way more strength to face your shadows with grace than to push them away and pretend you’re okay. Self-compassion is courageous.
4. "If I stop being hard on myself, I’ll lose motivation."
Truth: Beating yourself up doesn’t make you better. It makes you smaller. Real growth comes from encouragement, not shame. When you speak to yourself like someone you deeply care about, you build resilience and actually want to try again.
5. "Everyone else needs me more than I need myself."
Truth: This one’s sneaky and deeply ingrained. But the truth is, you matter too. You’re not here to burn out being everything to everyone. You’re here to feel whole, nourished, and alive. Your needs aren’t a burden. They’re your compass.
If any of these made your chest tighten a little, that’s okay. That’s just your soul tapping you on the shoulder, saying: hey, it’s time.
Time to give yourself what you so freely give to others.
A little grace. A little softness. A little permission to be human.
Because here’s the thing: Self-compassion hasn’t made me less of a helper, a healer, or a mum. It’s replenishes me, re-ignites me and makes me more of everything I already am but from a space of strength, not depletion. And engaging in self compassion will re-energise, and ignite that spark in you too.
So if no one’s told you today, let me be the one to say it:
You deserve your own love, too. 💛
Love & Light
Melissa
