Kim Fredrickson - Give Yourself a Break

 

 

How often do you criticize yourself? Too many of us have a running negative dialogue in our mind about our faults, failures, shortcomings and mistakes. 

In today’s Better Together podcast, we’re discussing how self-compassion is the key to treating ourselves with the kindness that motivates us toward self-care and resiliency.

As a former ministry leader, now life coach, I've observed that self-compassion is the one thing that women consistently refuse to give themselves. Too often, we don't believe that we deserve self-compassion because we believe that we can only be kind to ourselves if we're perfect or only if we try really hard. That's just not true!

Here’s what self-compassion is not:

Self-compassion isn’t self-pity.

Self-compassion isn’t self-focused.

Self-compassion isn’t selfish.

Self-compassion is a precious balance of grace and truth. This means that we treat ourselves with love even though we realize that we are flawed and make mistakes.

You need to treat yourself with self-compassion. So, I am thrilled about this episode of Better Together. But, I'm so concerned that you're going to make up some excuse not to listen...

Beautiful friend, if you can stop criticizing yourself, then you need to listen to this episode.

If you grew up in a home where the adults in your life didn't or couldn't give you what you needed, then you must listen to this episode.

If you're always feeling guilty about taking care of yourself, then veto that guilt and take the time to listen to this podcast while you're getting dressed, doing housework or driving to work.

Today’s podcast guest is Kim Fredrickson, author of Give Yourself a Break: Turn Your Inner Critic into a Compassionate Friend. As a marriage and family therapist, Kim taught her clients the principles of self-compassion. As a breast cancer survivor, Kim still practices these techniques on herself.In today’s broadcast, you’ll learn and learn:

In today’s broadcast, you’ll learn and learn:

The reasons why women obsess about caring for others, but quickly neglect themselves; The impact of not learning about or receiving self-compassion as children; How to revisit our old baggage and mistakes and reframe our self-critical thinking; How to talk and treat ourselves with self-compassion on a daily basis.

If you listen to today's broadcast and you think that your friends may need to hear Kim's wisdom, please share this post with them.

 

LINKS FROM TODAY'S SHOW:

Kim's Website

Kim's Facebook page

 

About Kim...

Kim Frederickson spent 30 years as private practice marriage and family therapist and college professor. She considered it a privilege to bring healing and hope to individuals, couples' and groups in private counseling sessions as well as workshops and speaking at conferences and seminars. In 2013, Kim was diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. After finishing treatment, Kim realized that she was experiencing shortness of breath. Within six weeks of testing, Kim was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, a progressive and terminal lung disease. 

Even as she deals with such devastating diagnosis, Kim relies on the same self-compassion techniques that she taught her clients for many years. "I've decided to be a good friend to myself. Self-compassion helps me to be kind and caring to myself in the ways I talk to myself, take care of myself, encourage myself and accept the volumes of prayer and support my friends and family offer. I know God has a purpose for this in my life, and in the lives of others."