There\u2019s a popular quote that maybe you\u2019ve seen on social media: \u201cBe kind, for everyone is fighting a hard battle.\u201d Often, we may feel we are experience unusually difficult times, however, these words were penned in 1897 as, \u201cBe pitiful, for every man is fighting a hard battle,\u201d by Scottish author John Watson (AKA Ian MacLaren). Struggle is a human experience known to all generations.<\/p>\n
Think of all the people you know. How many of them struggle with physical or emotional pain, relationship problems, worries about their job or finances, a traumatic experience or something else that keeps them up at night? How many of their coworkers, neighbors or casual friends know about their struggles? As a psychologist, I\u2019ve worked with countless people who looked like they were on top of the world while feeling like they were falling apart.<\/p>\n
Now think about the challenges you face. Would it surprise anyone to know how heavy your own burdens are?<\/p>\n
My hope is that you\u2019re compassionate toward yourself, that you give yourself grace when things are hard, and let someone know when you need help. I also hope that you\u2019re compassionate toward others, even when you don\u2019t know their full story.<\/p>\n
Sometimes we need to give ourselves compassion before we can offer it to others. This 10-minute compassionate breathing practice<\/a> from Dr. Greg Serpa can give you a kick start.<\/p>\n