Give yourself an A!

If it’s been a while since you’ve patted yourself, you’re not alone. It’s much easier to berate ourselves for everything we’re doing wrong than to acknowledge we’re doing the best we can and cut ourselves some slack.

- THOBEKA PHANYEKO

We’ve all experienced a shift in how we live and relate to each other, but have you taken a moment to reflect on the type of relationship you have with yourself? Joburg-based life coach Sharon Piel affirms that if there was ever a time to be kinder to yourself, it’s now. “The past year has been particularly challenging. Now, more than ever, we need to practice self-care and self-compassion. Self-compassion is one of the best and kindest things you can do for yourself,” she says. We indeed tend to be our worst critics, and Sharon notes that striving for unrealistic ideals means holding ourselves up to ridiculously high standards and berating ourselves when we don’t achieve them.

“Maybe you didn’t achieve your goals last year due to Covid-19. Instead of beating yourself up about it, adjust your timeline. You can still achieve your goal, but it may take a bit longer to get there,” she affirms.

If you’re used to engaging in negative self-talk, it might feel counterintuitive to show yourself kindness and compassion. Below, Sharon offers her insight to help you keep your scorecard at bay and choose to be kind instead.