Self-Compassion and Health Goals

I used to think I had to be hard on myself to be healthy.

If I could just be more disciplined, more in control, more “on it,” then I’d finally get there — wherever “there” was.

But honestly? That never worked.

It just made me feel hopeless, and miserable.

Feeling like a failure over and over again.

What’s actually helped me make better choices is something way softer.

Self-compassion.

I know that word gets thrown around a lot, but hear me out.

It’s kind of like… raising yourself again.

Taking care of that younger version of you — the one inside who’s still trying, still learning, still needing safety.

And instead of yelling at her to do better, you say:

“It’s okay. I’ve got you. Let’s try again, together.”

And then you start doing little things — it doesn’t come from shoulds,

It comes from a place of love.

You feed yourself in a way that feels kind.

You move because it helps you feel alive.

You rest because your body’s asking for it.

You’re not chasing the “perfect” routine anymore.

You’re just building a life that feels nourishing.

Steady.

HUMAN

Sometimes I picture myself as a little girl and ask:

Would I push her harder right now — or offer her a nap and a hug?

Would I feed her junk and scroll endlessly — or give her something warm and help her focus on what actually matters?

That’s the lens I try to look through now.

Not perfection. Just care.

Real, messy, human care.

And what’s wild is… the more I do that, the better I feel. The more consistent I get.

and you do get better at taking care of yourself.

So if you’re stuck or spiraling or just tired of trying to get it right all the time, maybe this is your permission:
You don’t need more willpower.

You probably just need more love.

Start there.

She’s listening.