self care

Self Compassion and Social Work

Self Compassion and Social Work

Self-Compassion is a component of working in the field of Social Work that isn’t discussed as much as it should be. Self-Compassion is something that can’t be taught in a classroom. It is something that is learned along the journey of gaining experience in the field. Individuals in the field of Social Work, as well as other fields, have to have a special gift to be able to do the work that we do. Our jobs aren't easy, yet they can be rewarding in the end. Before a person gains self-compassion, they usually experience the negative side of the field. Social Work is a career path that can cause burnout however, you have to be able to view the overall outlook in situations. 

Anger and Self - Compassion

Anger and Self - Compassion

What does this image bring you? Beginner's Mind? Curiosity? Non-Judgement? Self Acceptance? Peace? Good. Notice your body. Notice your breathing. Greater Mindfulness is the intention. Today I invite you to a 5 min Anger de-escalation exercise. Close your eyes. Today I want you to take yourself to an upsetting situation where you did not feel safe.

What is Self-Compassion?

What is Self-Compassion?

Self Compassion is recognizing when we’re stressed or struggling without being judgemental or over-reading. Everyone has hurdles in life, and our day to day activities can bring along stress and anxiety that we sometimes blame ourselves for. Being supportive and understanding towards ourselves when we are having a hard time, rather than being harshly self critical can help our self esteem long term. By remembering that everyone makes mistakes and experiences difficulties, we realize that we are not alone and that there is room for everyone to grow.

Self - Kindness was my Key to Self - Compassion

Self - Kindness was my Key to Self - Compassion

“Self-compassion is simply giving the same kindness to ourselves that we would give to others.” – Christopher Germer

Be kind. It is a simple concept and one that many people try to live by. We often try to extend kindness to others and to treat other people with respect, but why is it so hard to be kind to ourselves? I have often been described as a kind person.

Self-Compassion: Builiding the House You Live in

Self-Compassion: Builiding the House You Live in

“A word after a word after a word is power.” Margaret Atwood tells us. “You cannot build joy on a feeling of self-loathing.” teaches Ram Dass. “The words you speak become the house you live in.” writes the poet Hafiz. All three offer the wisdom that how we speak to and about ourselves influences the ways we show up in the world and engage with others. Language helps us to make meaning of our experiences.

Teaching Adolescents about Healthy Relationships

When I first heard the term “healthy relationships,” I immediately thought about romantic relationships. However, there are so many different kinds of relationships that we interact with on a daily basis that can be considered healthy…

Midweek Morsel: Wired for Connection - The Science of Connection for Introverts & Extroverts

Do you believe that we are all wired to connect? Do you view connection as a true extroverted need? What if you discovered that those that are more introverted, also are wired to connect?

Self Love: A Path to Wellness

Finding Your Path to Self Love by Briera Nix

Has a family member or friend ever said to you: “You have to learn how to love yourself first before somebody else can love you.” It’s easy for our friends, family members, and even famous influencers to encourage and promote self-love, but how many of them actually took the time…

Living with Anxiety. You are not alone...

Living with Anxiety. You are not alone...

Occasional anxiety is an expected part of life. We have all been anxious before a test, going to a job interview, or even making an important decision. This type of anxiety is normal and will eventually go away. However, there are some of us who experience anxiety constantly.

The Importance of Self Love...

The Importance of Self Love...

Have you ever told yourself, “I love you?” Do you cater to your needs and happiness? Do you appreciate yourself and make decisions that will positively support your growth and development? If so, you are experiencing self-love…

Alone in a Room Full of People: The Case of Chronic Loneliness

Alone in a Room Full of People: The Case of Chronic Loneliness

Imagine being in a room full of people, yet you still have a deep feeling of alienation. This is one example of what it feels like to experience chronic loneliness. We are living in a time where social distancing has become the norm…

Imposter Syndrome in The Workplace: Freedom in Your Truth

Imposter Syndrome in The Workplace: Freedom in Your Truth

Have you ever felt like you were the “Only One” in the room? In this moment, did you feel stereotyped and caged by your age, gender, race, color, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability? Competition and toxic achievement can lead to high levels of anxiety…

The Soul of Self LOVE

The Soul of Self LOVE

The alarm goes off at 4:00 am. Eyes slowly blink to awareness. Wide yawns welcome another day. Yet instead of the usual rising that eases me out of bed, there’s a familiar pain–a heaviness that arrests me to immobility.

Deep breaths offer no relief. Rather, they only confirm the grip of weight that aggressively shoots across my back.