Self-compassion is key to staying motivated when we feel we cannot continue through life鈥檚 challenges
What is self-compassion?
In the scriptures, compassion means 鈥渢o suffer with.鈥� It includes a deep awareness of another鈥檚 suffering. Compassion is motivated by a desire to alleviate that suffering. Self-compassion, then, involves acknowledging your suffering and responding with kindness rather than being self-critical.
Say, for example, you鈥檙e learning English for the first time and you make a mistake or don鈥檛 do well on an assignment. If you choose to be hard on yourself, your long-term motivation will decrease; having compassion will increase your desire to continue.What did Christ teach about compassion?
During His ministry, Jesus Christ was often 鈥渕oved with compassion鈥�Christ has the same compassion for you, and He wants to work miracles in your life. As you accept His compassion and strive to see yourself as He does 鈥� a divine son or daughter of Heavenly Parents 鈥� you invite His love and mercy into your life.
How can I be compassionate toward myself?
In moments when you're struggling with negative self-talk, the following exercise
- Take a moment to acknowledge your challenging situation: 鈥淟earning a new language is hard.鈥�
- Validate how you feel: 鈥淚 feel frustrated! And that's understandable and okay at this moment.鈥�
- Remember that suffering is a part of life. It can make you bitter, or it can make you better: 鈥淔eeling this way is a normal part of being human. I'm struggling right now, but I won't struggle forever.鈥�
- Speak to yourself in a kind and comforting way. Focus on positive language that motivates you to keep moving forward: 鈥淚 have done hard things before, and I can again. I can learn English. I am capable."
We at BYU-Pathway Worldwide believe in you. You can do this!