How often I show compassion to everyone that’s needing it. To those that need help, those that are struggling and even to the stranger I pass looking like they need a friendly smile just to feel seen. I show compassion to the older man asking for help to get some food and the older woman trying to reach for something with frustration in her eyes because aging isn’t always fun. I give compassion so freely to the person who calls my phone and jumps right into ranting about their woes of the day and to the person who feels life has treated them unfairly. I give compassion by giving them parts of me to help them feel a little lighter. I spend time reminding people we all make mistakes, and that’s part of growth and healing.
I recently learned how I have so easily given compassion to all those who needed it but excluded myself from receiving it, too. Knowing that some days, I needed an extra smile in the mirror or encouraging words to get up and keep trying. I needed to show compassion when I chose a different path rather than being so hard on myself.
Although I didn’t remember then to give myself compassion, I can give it today and each day forward. I know now that when I give to others to make sure, Im giving myself a little too.
We all need to remember that what we so easily give and share with others, we need to do that with ourselves as well.
