This episode discusses the topic of compassion, focusing on how to be more compassionate with someone when the relationship is difficult or strained. Compassion involves showing grace, kindness, acceptance, and nonjudgment. Self-compassion is also important, acknowledging that one's effort is enough. The episode shares a client's story of healing a strained relationship with her father through practicing self-compassion and emphasizes the importance of cultivating compassion for caregivers.
Here are a few simple steps you can start with today to help you stay attuned to your own needs and feelings, which is the first step in offering yourself compassion.
1. Mindful self-check-ins. Take a few minutes each day to check in with yourself.
How am I feeling right now?
What do I need in this moment?
2. Positive self-talk. Pay attention to how you talk to yourself, especially in challenging moments. When you notice negative self-talk creeping in, pause and reframe it. Instead of thinking, I'm failing, try the phrase, "I'm doing my best and that is enough."
3. Compassionate breathing. This is a quick and powerful exercise. When you're feeling stressed or frustrated or overwhelmed, close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. As you inhale, imagine breathing in compassion for yourself. As you exhale, imagine sending compassion out to those you care for. It's a simple yet powerful way to reset and reconnect with your inner well of kindness.
4. Gratitude practice. This is a fantastic way to cultivate compassion. Take a moment each day to reflect on something you're grateful for in yourself and in your caregiving journey. It could be as simple as I'm grateful for my patients or I'm grateful for the small moments of connection with my loved one.
Remember, cultivating compassion both for yourself and others is not about being perfect. It's about recognizing that you too deserve the same care and kindness you so freely give to others. And in doing so, you'll find that your well of compassion never runs dry. It only deepens, enriching both your life and the lives of those you care for.
Thank you so much for joining me today on this episode. I hope these insights on cultivating a deeper compassion practice resonate with you and help you on your journey to a more joyful, fulfilling caregiving experience.
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The act of caring for others whether personally or professionally is rewarding in many ways, but it can also be overwhelming and exhausting, resulting in caregivers feeling stressed, unhappy and burnt out.
Whether you are looking after children, patients, clients, ageing parents or persons at the end of their life journey, this is a reminder that you cannot pour from an empty cup. You can serve others without being a martyr. The JoyfulRx podcast is your prescription for rediscovering your own inner joy, so you can serve others from your overflow, rather than your reserve tank.
Hosted by Dr. Michelle Welch, a practicing physician, mom, children’s author, entrepreneur and certified coach who is passionate about helping caregivers. She examines topics each week that benefit caregivers specifically and offers actionable steps and tools to help them rediscover and claim their joy so they can create their best lives, starting today.
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