Today I wanted to provide you with two little thought experiments to try at home:

One revolves around your needs, the other around your thoughts.

Both are easy to try whenever you remember to do so.

Choose your choice!

The first one goes like this:

When someone asks you what you would like to do, see, try, etc., try not to respond with "I'm easy", "You choose", or "I don't care either way."

Instead, take the question seriously and try to really think about which option you would prefer.

Then, state your preference and see what happens!

Self-Criticism vs. Self-Compassion

The second experiment is a little more subtle, but even more important.

Pick literally any event, instance, or situation that happened to you today or yesterday, and compare and contrast two reactions to it:

The self-critical response vs. the self-compassionate response.

Try it:

Let's say you missed the bus.

The self-critical way of thinking would go something like:

"Why am I always late?! This is the third time in the last couple of weeks that I took too long to get out of bed in the morning. Everybody else has their act together and I'm the only one who can't even leave the house at the right time!"

Not so nice, is it?

Now try the self-compassionate response instead:

"Ok, I missed the bus again. I guess I must be really exhausted, considering how hard it is for me to get out of bed at the moment. I really deserve a break. Perhaps I could take some days off?"

So much kinder!

And the best part is:

This works with literally any situation.

Have a kind day and talk soon,
Annina