I want to talk about compassion – for yourself. Compassion simply means having tenderness towards the areas that cause our hearts concern. Compassion is a balm to our hurting hearts. While it would be fabulous if everyone around us ministered this ingredient to our hearts daily, it doesn’t often work that way. In reality, when we aren’t able to be compassionate to our own heart, it makes it even harder to receive it from others.
When was the last time you sat and intentionally championed your own heart?
Many of us feel traces (or bucket fulls) of shame during the day – shame over our looks, belonging, parenting or relationships. The only antidote to shame is compassion. Shame can’t be rebuked, ignored or fixed. It only leaves when compassion is smeared all over it.
I encourage you to print the following list out or write a few of them on a sticky note and place them on your mirror. Speak them over yourself at LEAST once a day but allow them to be your go-to when your own heart needs tenderness.
It feels silly, I know. But trust me when I say that applying compassion to your own heart is a key to connecting with His heart because we can’t receive (from Him and others) what we don’t give ourselves. This is quite simple, yet deeply profound.
- I see you trying so hard
- I am proud of you
- I am sorry you feel sad
- I am sorry you feel alone
- I am sorry you feel scared
- I can tell you care so much
- Take all the time you need
- You are going to be ok
- I will sit with you until you feel safe
- I accept you
- I value you
- I am sorry you feel trapped
- I think you’re brave
- I don’t want to get rid of you
- I don’t see you as broken
- I see you
- I enjoy you
How does this make you feel?
What was it like reading the list?
What kind of parent/person would you be if you were a pro at being tender to your own heart?