When my daughter was a little girl, I remember she did something that was not OK. I was just about to reprimand her when I realized that as little as she was, I had never taught her that what she was doing was not OK. So instead of reacting harshly I gently explained that she was not allowed to do that thing. (Honestly, I don't even remember what it was!) It felt so amazing to me to step a little bit deeper into patience and acceptance and to take the time to be gentle. She learned and I learned. It was a mothering win for me and my daughter and a personal "defining moment."
How often are we so hard on ourselves? We reprimand, demand and berate ourselves for not doing or being "good enough." Well precious ladies, it's time to take a beat, a moment in time, and take a break from the inner critic (who could probably also use a break!).
How can you soften your self talk? What can you say to encourage yourself? What mindset can you step into in this very moment that will support you in gently and lovingly tending to what needs tending?
I'm not talking about dropping responsibilities or ditching important goals. I mean, how can you be with yourself so that you can move forward with grace and contentment?
We know that when life is before us, it's about taking small steps that are really doable and not overwhelming ourselves. How can you tenderly self correct so that you stay on course for your life goals--whether they are goals in business, family, or personal?
At the time of this writing, my mother is 91 years old and has Alzheimer's. She forgets a lot. She asks me how the weather is a lot. The only way to be with her is gently and kindly. The only way to be with her is accepting.
Within each of us is that little girl and that old woman. Within each one of us is the rich power of womanhood. How will you relate to yourself today? Naturally it will reflect in the way you relate to others.
A deep, loving breath can really make a difference too. It's yours in this very moment.