Relationship with the Self

How would you describe your relationship with yourself?  Our relationship with ourselves is a vital part of our emotional well-being. An increasing amount of research is finding that individual's who demonstrate self-compassion are less vulnerable to depression, report higher rates of emotional well-being and demonstrate emotional resiliency. Unfortunately, many of us struggle with self-compassion and are more familiar with self-criticism and shame.

Our experiences, culture and relationships can heavily influence how we relate to ourselves and the sense of self we develop. Trauma and adversity leave us with emotional injuries that cause us to reject or abandon the hurt parts of ourselves. By working towards a compassionate and accepting relationship with ourselves we can transform ourselves and transcend our pain. 

Recommended Readings

* The Child in You: The Breakthrough Method for Bringing Out Your Authentic Self by Stefanie Stahl

* Loving Bravely: 20 Lessons of Self-Discovery to Help You Get the Love You Want by Alexandra Solomon

* Fierce Self-Compassion: How Women Can Harness Kindness to Speak Up, Claim Their Power, and Thrive by Kristin Neff

* Untamed by Glennon Doyle

* What’s Your Story? A New Interactive Journal by Rebecca Walker and Lily Diamond