Sometimes we can be brutal to ourselves. Too brutal. I know I can and have. 10+ years ago at a 12 Step Meeting, I remember a tough guy from Boston with a gravelly voice often saying that if anyone treated his dog the way he treated himself, he would shoot them! And the way he said that got my attention!

Trying to be kind to ourself directly can be tough. So indirection can help by trying to practice being as kind to ourself as we would be to a loved one, a friend, or a pet. For those of us who have a hard time giving ourselves a break, this can be a start! Best wishes!