Boundaries

I have been considering not returning to my job this coming Fall because I want more time to focus on my Self-Compassion Teaching and Coaching practice. I resisted for a long time due to a sense of security, but then I realized I am not fulfilling my needs for meaning, contribution, and growth which are really important to me. So I acted boldly and resigned.

There are two aspects of self-compassion: fierce and tender. Fierce self-compassion is setting personal boundaries and motivating yourself to take action for change from a place of self-kindness. Tender self-compassion is being able to validate your own experience and offering yourself what you need in times of struggle.

Fierce self-compassion helped me to say no and to also recognize this is a way of honoring and taking care of myself. Even though I am filled with excitement about what’s next, I know it isn’t going to be easy. 

There will be times when I’m going to doubt my own abilities, times where I’m going to come to a road block and not know what to do, and times when I feel like I am failing. This is when tender self-compassion will support me in reminding myself I have done, and will be able to do hard things; that this new endeavor isn’t going to be easy; and the “feel like I am failing” means I am learning and growing!

The next steps I am taking are:

1. Offering an in person Mindful Self-Compassion 6 week short course at Dayaalu Center  on Bainbridge Island,

2. Co-teaching an online Mindful Self-Compassion for Teens Teacher Training with Dr Karen Bluth,

3. Co-facilitating an in person Teen Talking Circle at a local high school,

4. Pursuing certification with Dr Gabor Mate’s Compassionate Inquiry.  

If you have never worked with me, I am offering you a complimentary session to explore how to incorporate more self-compassion into your life.