SELF-COMPASSION - how to be kind to yourself
Not finding the right partner soon enough can feel lonely.
When dating gets overwhelming, it’s easy to spiral, or question what you’re doing wrong. But sometimes, what you really need isn’t another date, it’s a moment to pause, breathe, and be kind to yourself.
Most of us crave connection, understanding, and a sense of being seen and we often hope to receive that from a partner. But what if that person hasn’t shown up yet?
In difficult moments, it’s natural to search for reasons.
If we can pinpoint what we did wrong, maybe we can fix it. But this kind of thinking often leads to one conclusion: that something is wrong with us. And that’s rarely true.
Instead, try practicing mindfulness. Observing and accepting your feelings, rather than overanalyzing them, can shift your mindset. Painful thoughts like “Maybe I’m the problem” can start to lose their grip. With time and compassion, those emotions become easier to carry.
How to practice self-compassion?
Mindful breathing - Get yourself in a comfortable position, and become aware of your sensations. Do you feel the air on your skin, the seat under you or your feet on the ground? Then focus on the sensation of your breath. Is it in your nose, throat or stomach?
Inner comforter - We all have an inner critic but try to change this voice, and talk to yourself like you would talk to a friend or loved-one. You may be surprised by the emotion it can bring up to be kind to yourself.
Feel the emotion– Become aware of the physical place where you feel the emotion. For example, your throat or chest? Try picturing a warm sensation there to ease the feeling. You don’t have to completely get rid of it, just try to soften it.
