Don’t be so hard on yourself. We often judge ourselves based on expectations of what OTHER people think is acceptable. Sometimes those people are specific (partner, mother, boss, friends, etc.) and sometimes they are the universal and imaginary “them.” We try so hard to be successful, and when we fail or fall short, we punish ourselves. I used to do it, and most of my relationships reflected that. I didn’t know how to create kindness inside of me because I was certain I had this huge invisible flaw that said I deserved to be punished.

Our inner critic beats us up more than anyone else. We are at its mercy until we start taking action toward being kind and compassionate to ourselves. This is not an easy task. We are so focused on taking care of ourselves externally (massages, vacations, relaxing, unplugging, etc.), that we avoid the huge mess inside. That’s not to say self-care isn’t important… it absolutely is. But it doesn’t replace showing yourself emotional kindness. Learn how to stop beating yourself up and feel a sense of well-being by being kind to yourself.