12 Self compassion Phrases for Difficult Moments

In difficult times we seem to find a way to comfort our friends and family members. Finding the right words to reassure, comfort, nurture, validate and support seem to come naturally to us but when it comes to ourselves there is no harder critic. We need to say the same things to ourselves as we say to our “best friend”. You ought to be your best friend. Previous exercises in this blog have already explained self-compassion. Inspired by Kristen Neff these are a few sentences which you can write for yourself and carry around so you can read them for yourself should you need it.

1. Everyone makes mistakes. It’s part of being human. No one is perfect but this is also how I can learn and grow.
2. I forgive myself for...
3. I have done the best I could with what I had at the time.
4. I am enough.
5. I might not be good at ___ right now, but that is okay: practice leads to improvement.
6. I accept myself for who I am: I accept that just like everyone I have my strengths and weaknesses.
7. I know I am struggling, but I am doing the best that I can right now.
8. I am worthy of receiving love and compassion.
9. No one is perfect
10. I can handle problems that come my way. I have done it before.
11. I am going to treat myself the way I would treat my best friend.
12. I deserve to choose what is best for me. I have a right to say “No” too