What Self-Compassion Has Taught Me (and How You Can Practice It Too)

For a long time, I thought self-compassion meant letting myself off the hook.

But I’ve slowly learned it’s about meeting myself — every version of me — with gentleness instead of judgment.

It’s been one of the hardest lessons of my healing journey, and also one of the most freeing.

“Self-compassion isn’t about being perfect — it’s about being patient.”

🌿 What Self-Compassion Has Taught Me

This is one of the hardest things for me to do. Learning not to judge myself by other people’s actions — or by the lack of them — has been a real challenge. I tend to measure my worth through what I can do or how much I can give.

I also struggle with wanting to help my husband financially, so I push through even when I’m mentally and physically drained. It’s like I’m afraid to pause — as if resting means I’m failing.

But I’m slowly realizing it doesn’t have to be that way. I’m learning to stop, breathe, and fucking chill once in a while. To remind myself that I’m still worthy even when I’m not doing everything.

Self-compassion has taught me that rest doesn’t mean weakness. It means I care enough about myself to stop running on empty.

“I’m learning to stop, breathe, and fucking chill once in a while.”

🌸 How You Can Practice It Too

If you’re like me and you struggle with being kind to yourself, start small.

✨ Daily Practice:

Each morning (or whenever you remember), say one positive thing about yourself — out loud.

It doesn’t have to be perfect or deep.

Something as simple as “I’m trying my best today,” or “I deserve peace,” is enough.

🕯️ Self-Compassion Ritual:

Light a candle and place your hand over your heart. Take a few slow breaths and whisper:

• I’m learning to love myself as I am.

• Let that be your moment to return to yourself — no expectations, just presence.

🪶 Journal Prompts:

• What would I say to a friend who feels how I do right now?

• Where do I still withhold kindness from myself?

• What does gentle progress look like for me today?

These questions are small doorways to seeing yourself with softer eyes.

🌷 The Real Work

The truth is, I still forget to be kind to myself.

There are days I fall right back into old patterns — pushing, judging, doubting.

But now, when I catch it, I choose to start again. Softer this time.

That’s the real magic of compassion: it always welcomes you back home.

Self-compassion has become the soil I grow from — not because I’ve mastered it, but because I keep tending it, day by day.

Rooted, learning, and always softening.

Blessed Be,

Bobbi Ann 🌿