A simple writing practice to help you be kinder and more compassionate to yourself
Here's your weekly dose of kindness and self-compassion.
Have you heard?
Resiliency is the new economy.
The more polarized, chaotic and stormy the world gets, the more we need a daily dose of kindness and self-compassion.
So putting pen to paper, tapping on the keyboard, or picking up a fountain pen, can be an act of survival – survival for the self. This is about more than bubble baths, long walks and spa days. (Although I’m a fan of those too.)
That quiet voice within has valuable guidance for you. And writing can be a way to strengthen the connection.
So here’s a simple practice I’ve been using to clear my head, reflect on what’s most important, and bring me back to center.
It’s called writing a better story for yourself. It’s a way to use writing as a path to more self-compassion. (Can I hear an amen!)
Personal essays, poetry and short stories are powerful outlets for creative self-expression. But honestly, they can feel intimidating if you don’t see yourself as someone who enjoys the craft. (And if you’re hanging around here you already have pretty high standards about craft.)
Anyone who’s dabbled in therapy or life coaching knows how important an hour of talking about ourselves can be. Writing about chapters of your life is not only the cheapest form of therapy, but there’s also research that shows it increases self-esteem.
And if you really want to dip your quill in the inkwell, writing about yourself in the 3rd person is even more bounce to the ounce. It’s a technique that helps change the narrative about your past. (Ask any memoir author out there.)
Here are a few simple reasons why it works so well:
You get to make your own meaning out of life's challenges and struggles
Studies show that people are more positive about themselves when they’re writing in the 3rd person
We can be kinder and more compassionate about others than we can about ourselves
When you give yourself permission to view your life through another character's eyes, you’re able to recognize how much you’ve grown. You realize important connections that can only be seen with reflection afterwards.
And you’ll be gentler on yourself.
Try it to change your perspective about one area of your life.
Set a timer for 10 minutes if that helps. And I invite you to start with this prompt…but feel free to choose your own.
“But what she’s keeping bottled inside is…”
Let me know how it goes in the comments below.
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