Yesterday was a difficult day.  I had deadlines to meet (and I didn’t meet them).  I thought I was going to have to put my 14 year old dog to sleep.  I went to the dentist to get a temporary crown and my tooth hurt all day long.  And, my partner was out of state.  Yep, it was a difficult day and I had a little pity party.  But, eventually, I realized that that wasn’t really working for me, either.  Instead, I needed to (and did) shift gears to focus on self-compassion.

Here’s my list of acts of self-compassion.

• Hug my dog.
• Sing a song.
• Take a bubble bath.
• Remind myself of what I can do.
• Bring fresh flowers into my house.
• Sit in my garden.
• Just b-r-e-a-t-h.
• Try a little yoga.
• Take a walk.
• Write a letter.
• Ask for help.
• Accept what is.
• Learn something new.
• Find the humor.
• Make a cup of my favorite hot tea.
• Take a nap.
• Read in bed.
• Hold someone’s hand.
• Watch a storm.
• Build a fire.
• Speak up.
• Take action.
• See the difference.
• Be open.
• Set judgment aside.
• Light a candle.
• Say a prayer.
• Identify needs.
• See the big picture.
• Be gentle with myself.
• Use an affirmation or personal mantra.
• Express myself.
• Be curious.
• List the gifts of imperfection.
• Connect with someone who cares about me.
• Choose to care for myself.

So I’m wondering . . . . What are your acts of self-compassion and how do you remind yourself to choose them?

I struggle with perfection. Do you?  For most of my 50 years, I’ve imagined that being right . . . being perfect . . . is what I “should” be.  Only in the last few years, has it occurred to me, that I might be wrong – that even trying to be perfect might be wrong.

Today, I stumbled across Kathryn Schulz’ TED Talk and I’m thinking I might just be on to something!  Here’s Kathryn Schulz:On Being Wrong. 

Got any thoughts to share on being right and being wrong?

Here are some of my favorite tools for living an authentic life based on my passion and life’s purpose.  I hope you will find them of use to you, too.

Callings: Finding and Following an Authentic Life
Gregg Levoy

Finding Your Own North Star: Claiming the Life You Were Meant to Live
Martha Beck

First Things First: To Live, to Love, to Learn, to Leave a Legacy
Stephen R. Covey

Healing the Soul of America: Reclaiming Our Voices as Spiritual Citizens
Marianne Williamson

Loving What Is: Four Questions That Can Change Your Life
Byron Katie

The Right Questions: Ten Essential Questions to Guide You to an Extraordinary Life
Debbie Ford

Simple Abundance: A Daybook of Comfort and Joy
Sarah Ban Breathnach

Steering by Starlight: Finding Your Right Life, No Matter What!
Martha Beck

Way of the Peaceful Warrior: A Book That Changes Lives
Dan Millman

Wisdom of the Peaceful Warrior: A Companion to the Book That Changes Lives
Dan Millman

Marianne Williamson

The Work of Byron Katie

If you struggle with low self esteem, can’t seem to find and own your personal power, or have trouble  fully accepting who you are with joy, check out some of these books below to support you on your journey.

• The Best Year of Your Life Kit by Debbie Ford

• The Dark Side of the Light Chasers: Reclaiming Your Power, Creativity, Brilliance and Dreams by Debbie Ford

• The Gift of Change: Spiritual Guidance for Living Your Best Life by Marianne Williamson

• Healing the Shame that Binds You by John Bradshaw

• Life Makeovers: 52 Practical & Inspiring Ways to Improve Your Life One Week at a Time by Cheryl Richardson

• The Secret of the Shadow: the Power of Owning Your Whole Story by Debbie Ford

• The Six Pillars of Self Esteem by Nathanial Brandon

• Take Time for Your Life by Cheryl Richardson

• A Woman’s Worth by Marianne Williamson

If you know of other resources that have been helpful to you or your clients, I hope you’ll drop me a note below and let me know about them!

If you are looking for resources to support you in getting a new job, here are three of my favorites.

• The first is TheLadders.  Sign up for their FREE career-hunting tips.   The tips are really terrific.  (Yes, you’ll have to say you are looking for a six figure income.  I’m sure you won’t object.)  There is also a higher level of membership that you can access by paying a fee.  My friends that are in the corporate world say that that level of membership is worth every penny if you’re looking for the big bucks.

• I really love Penelope Trunk’s blog, Brazen Careerist.  You might want to check it out.

• And, I think you might find AskLizRyan to be useful.  Check out her website, her blog and her online discussion list.

If you have additional resources for job hunting, you can share them with us below.