By: Bri Anderson, BA, BS, MA (in progress)
Who do you owe an apology to? Did you think of yourself or someone else? Often, we are our own biggest critics, spending a lot of time internalizing negative thoughts and judgments that impact our mental health. We shy away from self-compassion and positive self-talk, making it difficult to see ourselves in a positive light or allow ourselves grace—whether in making mistakes or experiencing difficult moments. Yet these two practices are powerful tools for improving daily mental well-being.
Think of self-compassion as treating yourself with the same kindness, care, and understanding that you would offer a close friend in times of struggle. Instead of berating yourself for mistakes or imperfections, you learn to acknowledge your flaws without judgment, fostering a healthier inner dialogue.
Positive self-talk involves replacing negative thoughts with affirmations or constructive statements that encourage growth, resilience, and self-belief. By actively engaging in positive self-talk, you shift your perspective from self-criticism to empowerment. This mindset shift can help reduce feelings of anxiety, stress, and inadequacy, promoting confidence and inner calm.
One way to cultivate self-compassion is through affirmations and mindfulness exercises, such as mirror affirmations or journaling.
For mirror affirmations, stand in front of a mirror—or use your phone’s camera to record yourself if you’re on the go. Make eye contact with yourself and say kind affirmations like:
- I am enough.
- I deserve love and kindness.
- I am doing the best I can, and my best is enough.
For journaling, try prompts like:
- What would I say to a friend going through this?
- How can I show myself kindness in this moment?
Over time, these small acts of positive reinforcement can strengthen emotional resilience and reduce the impact of external stressors, helping you cultivate a more compassionate and supportive relationship with yourself.
Bri is a clinician in training and a graduate student working towards her Masters and Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology at Ponce Health Sciences University- St. Louis.Bri has seen firsthand the power of therapy and support in helping individuals find hope and resilience in times of crisis. She believes that everyone deserves access to compassionate and effective mental health care. She is currently accepting new clients. Click here to find out more about her or to schedule a session.
