We are told in Colossians 3 to clothe ourselves in compassion. It’s never too late to rewire your brain to be self-compassionate and to love yourself.

I know it’s possible because I’ve done it!

Self-compassion is extending compassion to oneself where there is perceived inadequacy, suffering, failure, or loss. Highly shame-based individuals are usually very critical of themselves. They do not know how to be kind to themselves or how to receive kindness from others. This is often the result of physical, emotional or sexual abuse, neglect, or bullying.

When self-compassion is learned, we can begin to comfort ourselves in healthy ways and receive comfort from others. This produces feelings of self-love, safety, and contentment. If you practice a life of self-compassion and self-love, the benefits include improved mood, better health, healthy relationships, healed emotions, and increased resilience.

Compassion-focused coaching can help clients develop self-compassion and also become more compassionate towards others. It addresses patterns of shame and self-criticism, which can block people from loving themselves and living life to the full.