self-compassion

Boosting Confidence And Self-Esteem

Having a healthy level of self-confidence can help us in so many areas of our life – both personal and professional. 

It can also help increase our overall motivation, which in turn can make it easier to achieve our goals and move forward in life. 

Now, developing a healthy level of self-confidence is easier said than done. 

However, several tactics can help you grow day by day.

Write Yourself a Letter

What do you want? What do you need? What has been on your mind lately?

Putting our thoughts, goals and ideas onto paper can make them easier to understand.

This can be done by journaling or by writing a letter to ourselves. 

Writing a letter to your past, current or future self can help you look at your life and goals in a new way.

Sometimes we can hold back on saying what we really feel due to the fear of being judged.

Your letter or letters are for your eyes only – so you can be raw, open and honest. 

Ditch Comparisons

You know what they say. The grass is always greener on the other side.

You never know what another person has gone through or is currently going through. 

Just because someone else’s journey appears “perfect” doesn’t mean it is.

Instead of focusing on what others may be doing, we can realign our energy on ourselves. 

Take inventory of your strengths and accomplishments as they rise. You have a lot to be proud of.

Be Kind to Yourself

Do you ever feel like you are kinder to others than yourself?

Self-compassion is all about being kind to ourselves no matter what! Forgive yourself when you make mistakes and appreciate the lesson learned. 

Sometimes setbacks are actually opportunities in disguise. 

“The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.” – Sylvia Plath

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National Religious Freedom Day

National Religious Freedom Day on January 16th is a time to commemorate the signing of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom drafted by Thomas Jefferson on January 16th, 1786. 

This statute became the basis for the establishment clause and led to the freedom of religion in America. It meant that people of different faiths could freely express their own religious beliefs. Giving everyone the right to believe in a religion, change their religion, or choose not to follow any religion. 

Today, we can remember and celebrate this day by recognizing the diversity in our communities and in the world. We all have a right to practice our religions but must also remember to mutually respect each other’s beliefs, even if they are different from ours. There is no one right way to experience and express religion, so this day is a reminder to respect all of the different ways that people express their beliefs, as long as they are not harming another person or group.

Religion is often an important part of people’s culture and a way that they can experience a connection to their community, family and ancestors. ​​Religion can be a key factor in the cultural identity of many people, influencing their behavior and traditions. Prayer, rituals and art are some of the ways people show their involvement in a particular religion. 

We can learn about the rich history of religions that have helped to shape humanity by reading relevant books or watching videos about these topics. 

Understanding and empathy are two key concepts to focus on National Religious Freedom Day. 

For more information, visit the resources below: 

Religious Freedom Day | Guidebook

Religious Freedom Day Resources For Educators 

Religious Freedom Day Resources For Parents

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What to do When You Feel Like a Failure

Any of these thoughts sound familiar?

“There’s no way I can do this!”

“I’m not smart enough.”

“Why even try? I know I’ll fail.”

Here’s the thing. We can’t always control what thoughts pop into our head. But we can control how we react to them. Believe it or not, you can navigate around those negative thoughts. Keep on reading to learn more.

Think Small

When we are overwhelmed with negativity, starting and completing tasks can feel next to impossible.

A great way to get yourself out of that rut is by breaking up large tasks into small manageable ones.

Which task sounds more manageable?

1) Jogging for 30 minutes a day?

Or

2) Jogging for 5 minutes a day?

Once you get comfortable at the 5-minute mark, you can slowly work your way up.

Accept Your Thoughts

Have you ever gotten mad at yourself for getting stuck on a negative thought?

Not exactly the best way to move past it.

Instead of judging yourself, try coming to terms with your thinking.

So, you had a negative thought. That’s okay. It is just your anxiety speaking to you. Feelings are not facts.

Accept it. Understand it. Move forward.

Redefine Failure

Who says failure has to be a bad thing? Failure isn’t dangerous. Failure can’t hurt you. You need to alter the way you look at the situation.

Every moment both positive and negative is a teachable moment. How did this “failure” make you a better person? What did you learn from this? The answers may surprise you.

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How to Heal After a Breakup

How to Heal After a Breakup

Going through a breakup is painful – any loss is.

All you want is to get back to your old self and feel “normal” again.

Your feelings are not facts. You can retrain your brain. You can control your emotions. Just keep on reading.

Listen to Your Voice

If you aren’t careful, your negative thoughts can play tricks on you and intensity your pain.

Our mind is a powerful thing, and can twist our reality.

Let’s say you keep thinking to yourself the breakup was entirely your fault. Sooner or later you will start to believe it.

One of the best things you can do to heal is to challenge your thoughts.

Is this true? Am I sure? Where’s the proof?

Focus on Growth

When one door closes another one opens.

Breakups are the perfect opportunity to practice self-growth and strive to become the best version of you.

Although it may not feel like it right now, things will get better.

This pain is only temporary. Now that you know what you want, you can go get it!

Self Compassion

If you want to heal, you have to show yourself some self-compassion.

Use the same language you would with your best friend.

You have the power to keep your thoughts a judgment-free zone.

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The Secrets to Successfully Developing Your Child's Confidence

The Secrets to Successfully Developing Your Child’s Confidence

As a parent, of course, you want your kids to be confident.

The thing is, getting started can be a little tricky. There’s no set in stone rule book. However, there are quite a few techniques that can work wonders on your child’s self-esteem and confidence.

Help Them Say Goodbye to Self Judgment

Sometimes once a negative thought enters our mind, we just can’t seem to part ways with it.

Sound familiar? No need to worry.

This is where mindfulness comes into the picture.

Mindfulness is all about focusing on the present moment.

Think your child is too young to practice mindfulness?

Think again…

Studies show that preschool aged children who practice mindfulness have decreased stress levels.

Compassion

Did you know kids as young as 3 years old can feel compassion?

Yup, it’s true.

The world is their classroom.

Your kids look up to you. Your everyday words and actions impact them more than you may think. One of the best ways to teach them compassion it to show it to them regularly.

It’s officially time to say goodbye to the question “Am I good enough?”

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Five Ways to Help Teens Thrive

Five Ways to Help Teens Thrive

“As many teens struggle with anxiety and perfectionism, our urge may be to jump in and fix their problems, whatever we perceive them to be. But a better approach, one that will hopefully help reverse these worrying trends, is to cheer them on as they develop the mental habits and strengths that will support them throughout their lives.”

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