“Compassion is not a virtue—it is a commitment. It’s not something we have or don’t have-it’s something we choose to practice.”
– Brene Brown
On a scale from 1–10, how well are you keeping your commitments to a healthier body, greater financial abundance, and peace of mind?
Some of you may shrug and think, “Great” or “Pretty good.” Others may roll your eyes and wonder, “Have you been paying attention to the news and the world lately?”
We all make commitments, to ourselves and to others. Too often, we find ourselves letting them fall by the wayside in the name of convenience, exhaustion, or overwhelm. Over time, I’ve noticed that my relationship with the word commitment can carry a feeling of heaviness, a sense of “have to.” Can you relate? Yet, if I focus on the areas I have identified as priorities, I feel more empowered. Amazing how words can interrupt one’s flow.
Perhaps you commit to going somewhere yet feel in your heart that it’s not the right time. You hesitate to change your plans because you gave your word. Old messages surface, echoes from growing up, telling you to push through, comply, and not disappoint.
Memories come flooding in, how many times I promised myself a self-care practice and then bailed. It showed up in food choices, spending habits, or ignoring the quiet inner voice that whispered no while my voice said yes to go along.
Most of us are quite compassionate toward others, especially during difficult times and global events. Yet it is just as critical to offer ourselves the same kindness, soothing, and understanding, instead of the self-judgment and criticism that so easily creep into our awareness.
The good news about getting older is that we listen to and align more as our authentic selves. We learn new ways to care about others and ourselves, releasing the old messages of “should” and “have to.” We begin treating our bodies, minds, and souls with self-compassion and love.
What if, instead of forcing yourself forward, you softened your idea of commitment or priorities and infused them with compassion, self-love, and kindness?
Pause for a moment. Where do you feel that question in your body?
For me, I feel it in my heart, a gentle opening, a sense of relief. When I combine compassion and commitment, my actions transform with greater freedom, focus, and alignment with a sense of purpose.
Here are a few loving tips for your mind, heart, and soul:
• During stressful moments, gently ask yourself:
“What is the kindest action I can take right now?”
Then respond with care, take a walk, make a cup of tea, step outside, or listen to music that soothes your nervous system. Stop scrolling, put your phone down, and take a few quiet moments to consciously breathe.
• When harsh self-talk arises, pause. Consciously stop and reframe the message with compassion. Replace criticism with curiosity and care.
• Use encouraging self-talk such as:
“I’m doing my best.”
“It’s okay to make mistakes.”
“I can do this.”
“I am free to let go of others’ judgments that distract me.”
• Give yourself permission to “Begin Again.”
When I become mentally distracted by the outside world, I find returning to simple, grounding practices helpful: sitting in silence, conscious breathing, lighting a candle, listening to music, being in nature, near water, or even standing outside in the snow with the sun on my face. These help reset my nervous system.
Be patient and kind with yourself. Soften your approach to commitments and allow your energy to flow with ease and grace. This builds the muscle of self-compassion and strengthens your ability to respond rather than react. When you embrace yourself in a loving way, compassion naturally flows, both inward and outward.
BE YOUR AMAZING SELF!
