I have noticed amongst the posts that we as a group seem to have lacked compassion from others when at times we needed it most. Perhaps that was childhood when facing bullying or feeling otherwise different. Perhaps that is now as some of us lack supportive influences. I recently came across this simple exercise in a book of directed prompts for journalling.

Imagine your perfect nurturer who truly embodies the spirit of love, compassion, and kindness. What do you consider that image (real or imagined) that helps you take a compassionate view of yourself?

Myself? I imagine a grandmother who I unfortunately never got to know. I picture her and I talking about my troubles - and her thoughtful warm understanding and support - beneath my favourite tree. She passed away when I was young but I have always imagined she would have been of immense support and compassion to me.

[ReptileInYourHead]

It would be my father, who I also never got to know. It would be a man who truly cared for me, and we would talk about all the things that make the world go 'round. And guy stuff too, which is something I never got to do.
It would be someone who understood me and who could actually help MeV as opposed to just empty encouraging words.

[Yours_Truly]

I can't even answer this. It's making me cry. What is wrong with me?!

Originally Posted by Yours_Truly

I can't even answer this. It's making me cry. What is wrong with me?!

Oh gosh, I never even considered that this could have such an emotional effect. My sincerest apologies.

[Yours_Truly]

No, no, no... no problem! There's nothing wrong with it. It's a great question. It's me and where I'm at right now. So sorry.

I have a few friends who are incredibly kind and compassionate people, I feel very lucky to have them in my life. I guess they would be the image I would keep in my mind.

There have been times were I really needed a compassionate person to be there and my parents and friends didnt really do that for me when I needed it the most.

[ReptileInYourHead]

Sorry to hear that explodingsun, but can always find compassion here, next best thing to real life friends.

[frigidClemency]

I like to imagine an alternate version of myself, from another universe if you may. The version of me who got what and where she wanted, and understands me because they know me inside out. Appearence is changed slightly, maybe she just got a different hair cut, but honestly there could be no one else I would feel such relief or security when sharing my emotions.

Originally Posted by ExplodingSun56

There have been times were I really needed a compassionate person to be there and my parents and friends didnt really do that for me when I needed it the most.

Imagine an individual (real or unreal, even a thing) that you would have received compassion from. What/who would have given you unwaivering support and kindness?

I had no one growing up or in my adult years until I was 44 who I honestly feel showed me any kind of compassion. But I grew up imagining that my grandmother must have been rooting for me and that gave me comfort when things were bad.

[RainyDay107]

Originally Posted by Yours_Truly

I can't even answer this. It's making me cry. What is wrong with me?!

Me, too.

[RainyDay107]

Originally Posted by justafriend306

Oh gosh, I never even considered that this could have such an emotional effect. My sincerest apologies.

Same reaction here, no need to apologize. It's an interesting question. I just haven't gotten treatment for C-PTSD yet. All good.