Self-empathy

You know that capacity we have to love another? Those kind words I give a friend, my spouse, my child? I think for me, there's a space in me that wants the love I'm able to give.

Instead of just looking 'out there' with all of our resources, bring them home. When I am speaking to myself about mistakes I've made, there's usually a script that goes something short and sweet, like this, "You're so dumb. You are unworthy of love. You will always be unworthy of love."

"Hi childhood neglect!" It's you again, speaking to me. But I can pause. I can find a space of silence and then increase my presence of empathy to myself by inserting different ideas into my mind.

"I hear you, childhood neglect. I really hear you." And just take 30 seconds to sit with the voice, to feel my body and comfort the void longing for love and parental support.

I can be that for my parts now. I'm not a child anymore, I'm 46, and I can lead this body and mind. With empathy, like guiding a child, I will comfort myself when I feel sad or afraid, because the self-connection I offer my heart brings joy, and I find myself empowered and ready for connection to my family with consistent moments of self-care.