You Deserve to Be Gentle With Yourself

There comes a point where the past no longer hurts because of what happened…

…it hurts because of what you keep telling yourself about it.

You’ve become the judge, jury, and executioner in your own soul.

You replay the moment.

You rehearse the fall.

You mourn the opportunity you didn’t take.

And when you run out of people to blame, you settle on the only person left: you.

How did I not see it?

How could I be so blind?

Why did I stay that long?

Why did I trust that person?

Why didn’t I speak up sooner?

And slowly, your mind becomes a museum of regrets.

But beloved, please hear me this morning:

You did not ruin your life.

You learned how certain things don’t work.

This Week, Give Yourself the Compassion You Freely Give Others

You forgive your friends.

You tell others to move on.

You hug your children when they make mistakes.

But when it comes to you?

You punish.

You replay.

You withdraw.

It’s time to stop bleeding for a wound that has already taught its lesson

The Real Reason You’re Stuck

You were never taught self-compassion.

You were raised in systems that said:

Mistakes are punishable.

Pain is a weakness.

Shame is spiritual.

So now, even when life is offering you another chance,

you hesitate because you no longer believe you deserve it.

But here’s what I know:

People will judge.

People will label.

People will whisper about what you did or didn’t do.

Let them.

Step away from their shame.

Step towards your healing.

You are not here to be perfect.

You are here to be whole.

Here are Simple Steps to Self-Compassion This Week

1. Speak to Yourself the Way You’d Speak to Someone You Love

Look in the mirror.

Hold your gaze.

Say:

“I forgive you. I love you. I’m proud of you for surviving this far.”

2. Stop Defining Yourself by a Version of You That No Longer Exists

You are not the same person who made that decision.

That version of you didn’t know what you know now.

Respect their courage.

They were trying.

So stop hating those who are still learning.

3. Create Space for Grace

You don’t have to have it all figured out this week.

But you must start being kinder to yourself.

Rest. Reflect. Release the pressure.

You are allowed to grow at your own pace.

4. Practice “Soft Power” Every Day

Softness is not weakness, it's sacred.

Write a love letter to yourself.

Take a slow walk without guilt.

Make a decision that honors your peace.

Your power this week will come from gentleness.

So here’s your permission:

To start again, without apology.

To fail and still be worthy.

To rise, even if your knees still shake.

To stop explaining your healing to people who preferred you broken.

And to finally say to yourself:

“I’m doing my best. I’ve learned enough. And I deserve to move forward.”

You are not your mistakes.

You are the miracle that survived them.

So sip your coffee,

Lift your chin,

And walk into this week with softness and audacity.

You are still becoming.