17 December – Practising Self‑Compassion

Today’s mindful task was all about practising self‑compassion. With presents to buy ✅, social engagements to attend ✅, and family commitments constantly on my mind, it’s easy to spend so much time thinking about what we can do for others that anxiety quietly creeps in. Sometimes this shows up at night, lying awake and replaying the day — worrying about our shortcomings or the little things that didn’t go quite as planned. I may even need a notepad next to my bed tonight for everything that’s constantly on my mind.

That’s why it’s so important not to lose sight of yourself.

Self‑compassion asks us to pause, to acknowledge our efforts, and to give ourselves credit for the positive qualities we bring into each day. A simple but powerful exercise is to write down three things you did well.

Here are mine from today:

• I made time for a wholesome (and washing‑up‑intensive!) but very yummy lunch for Black Bean and myself.

• I organised the Chickpeahub family perfectly.

• I chose a book from the library that I think someone I see every day might really enjoy.

Your list can look completely different — and that’s the beauty of it. Maybe you:

• ate well ✅

• moved your body or exercised ✅

• showed up as a good friend or a caring family member to someone ✅

It doesn’t matter whether what you write feels big and important or small and insignificant. The only goal is to spend a few moments looking at yourself in a positive light.

This practice gently shifts our focus away from what went wrong and towards what went right, helping to support a happier, healthier mindset.

This mindful activity worked for me today.

I am happy with myself today.