Have you ever tried pouring from an empty cup? That’s what it feels like when we attempt to show up for others without first holding space for ourselves. But what does it mean to hold space for yourself? It means creating a safe and nurturing internal environment where all your emotions, experiences, and truths are welcome. It’s about honoring your own humanity with love and compassion.

When we hold space for ourselves, we allow the messy, imperfect parts of who we are to come into the light. We sit with our emotions—the joy, the grief, the anger, the confusion—and give them room to breathe. This isn’t about wallowing in self-pity or bypassing our pain; it’s about saying, “You’re allowed to be here. I’m listening.”

Holding space for yourself also means practicing forgiveness—deep, radical forgiveness. Forgiving yourself for the mistakes you made when you didn’t know better, for the things you said or did to survive in a world that can be harsh and unforgiving. Survival is never something to be ashamed of, and the choices we made in those moments were often the best we could do with the tools we had. As Maya Angelou so beautifully said, “When you know better, you do better.” Forgiveness is the bridge between the person you were and the person you are becoming.

When we cultivate this inner kindness, something remarkable happens: we create capacity. By holding space for our own hearts, we free ourselves from the chains of guilt, shame, and judgment that often block us from being fully present for others. We become more empathetic, more patient, and more grounded. We understand, at a deeper level, that everyone is carrying their own burdens, just as we are.

Holding space for yourself isn’t selfish; it’s foundational. It’s an act of self-love that ripples outward, enabling us to be more generous and compassionate in our relationships with others. Because when our own hearts are held tenderly, we can offer that same tenderness to the world.

So, take a moment today to turn inward. Ask yourself: What do I need? What emotions am I holding back? What part of me needs forgiveness or compassion? Sit with those answers, and let them guide you. Because when you hold space for yourself, you aren’t just healing your own heart—you’re creating a ripple of love and presence that extends far beyond you.