Have you ever felt like you are not good enough, or that you are constantly failing or struggling in life? Have you ever been harsh or critical of yourself, or felt ashamed or guilty for your mistakes or flaws? If you answered yes, then you are not alone. Most of us have experienced these feelings at some point in our lives, and they can cause a lot of pain and suffering.

But what if there was a better way to deal with these feelings? What if instead of judging or blaming ourselves, we could treat ourselves with kindness, understanding, and support? This is what self-compassion is all about.

In a world often characterized by individual achievement and self-interest, the power of kindness often goes unnoticed. However, research has begun shedding light on the remarkable health effects that acts of kindness can have on both the giver and the receiver. I love how pharmacist turned “kindness scientist” David Hamilton describes kindness as the opposite of stress. Beyond the warm feeling and emotional fulfillment it brings, kindness has been proven to positively impact our physical well-being.