Self-Care September Day 27: Give Yourself Credit

This year has been kind of wild, wouldn't you say?

​A global pandemic, growing societal unrest, severe destruction due to climate change, a dangerous lack of leadership around all of it...it's been an extra kind of difficult, and if you've had moments (days...weeks...) of feeling like you are swimming in uncharted territory, please know you are not alone. 

I'm here to remind you you are doing a much better job than you might think and today's self-care tip is to give yourself credit for it.

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The truth of the matter is that life is a constant series of ebbing and flowing.
It's just not possible to always be at the top of your game even during the smoothest of years. There will be moments (or entire days, or whole weeks, or even stretches of months) when you feel like you are making one mistake after another in everything you do.
​But here's the thing - that feeling happens to everyone at one time or another, and it's a liar. 

As Miles Davis once said, "Do not fear mistakes. There are none."

We are all doing the best we can with what we've got, and that includes you. Giving yourself a hard time doesn't increase your inclination to do better, it just makes you feel crappy.

Some days, you might feel like you're shining in one department of your life at the expense of another. When this happens, don't use the sinking areas as measure of success, use the shining ones.

• Missing your online yoga class to take extra time helping your emotional teenager with virtual learning doesn't make you an exercise slacker, it makes you a great parent.
• Sending a buddy belated birthday wishes because you were up against a deadline with a huge work project doesn't make you a bad friend, it makes you a reliable employee and stable provider for your family.
• Leaving the dirty dishes in the sink or the laundry in the dryer overnight so you can spend quality with your partner doesn't make you a lazy housekeeper, it makes you a strong relationship connector.
• Not responding to every single email (immediately or ever) from someone energetically draining (or downright toxic) because you've set a boundary around yourself doesn't make you rude, it makes you a self-care superstar. 

Here's another thing - you will always experience what you choose to believe, so it's necessary to acknowledge all the things you are doing right, even when - especially when! - it feels easier to identify where you're falling short.

When you discount your efforts or belittle your accomplishments, you chip away at your self-confidence and erode your sense of trust in yourself. Not only that, but you squander the positive momentum self-recognition affords you, which can them make it harder to propel yourself forward in any arena.

And don't confuse giving yourself credit with complacency - recognizing what we're doing right doesn't mean we're turning a blind eye to where there is room for improvement. It just means we're able to take responsibility for our own happiness and success. We're willing to plant our own garden instead of waiting for someone else to bring us flowers. 

From minor irritations to major hardships, remind yourself of all the things you've survived because you're brave, because you're scrappy, because you're resourceful, because you're smart, because you're resilient, because you're fierce, because you're tough, because you're amazing, because you're a fighter, because you're determined, because you're capable, because you're strong, because you're persistent, because you don't give up and you don't give in.

You are doing such a good job.

Self-Care September Day 27: Give Yourself Credit

​Take a few moments today to reflect on the multitude of ways you've risen to an occasion throughout your life. Think of how many problems you've solved, how many obstacles you've overcome, how many people you've helped along the way. Your past has undoubtedly thrown you some curveballs, and you're still standing. Celebrate that! 

Be proud of yourself - you've gotten this far and you will continue to thrive as long as you keep believing you can. 

I love you and will see you soon!
xo,
Coach Alex