Self-compassion

Hi all...wishing everyone a positive and prosperous New Year!!
Today i had a huge learning experience so thought id share it with everyone:
Basically, since october i have been planning my kick ass start to the new year...and it didn't really go as planned. See, im in the finalising stages of recovery but over the last few months my anxiety levels have slowly crept up on me. The main cause being my job....a ridiculously understaffed stressful environment which doesnt allocate adequate time for breaks....well any time for breaks actually! so, after 12 months on the job... ive flung my pride aside and decided to opt out. Im quite proud of myself actually for having the determination to last so long on the job....various others who worked there only lasted a few weeks!
So, as i was overly excited about freedom from the difficult ward environment, i made a million and one plans and goals for the fresh start to the New Year...big changes! However over the last few days ive felt completely deflated....stuck in mud, less motivatred than ever actually...all at the beginning of a new year! Thinking"Why amnt i feeling this way or that way about myself?, why amnt i more motivated?" etc ...and being harsh on myself for not being so... See ive planned a major career change in 2012 so i think maybe ive put undue pressure on myself to be "fully recovered" and am questioning myself which has actually sent me further down.
Anyways, i walked into a newsagent this afternoon and picked up the australian yoga journal...only to find a really interesting article on self-compassion by kelly mcGonigal. It spelt everything out for me clear and simple.Although ive long been aware of how important it is for us to be kind to ourselves during recovery, its as if this time the pressure and berating came in totally subconsciously...i got so wrapped up in New Year accomplishments.
So, Kelly states... when it comes to making a change, self compassion is our greatest source of strength. Self transformation doesnt happen overnight, but if we are really gentle with ourselves and accept our setbacks with compassion we can change our lives for the better. Self compassion involves being kind and supportive to ourselves when confronting personal weaknesses, challenges and setbacks.

Cultivating Self-love when setting New Years goals/changes:

LOVE:acknowledge that you deserve health and happiness and youre worth the effort it takes to make the positive change...remind yourself how the change youre making supporhs your wellbeing.

COMPASSION: without judgement, recognise how the habit youre trying to change creates stress (including habit of being hard on yourself). Then acknowledge your desire to be free from the suffering.

JOY :Give yourself lots and lots of credit for and celebrate any positive actions youve taken to support yourself in this change.

EQUANIMITY:If you are feeling bad about a recent setback, remind yourself mistakes are only human and an important part of the path of change. Instead of berating yourself, focus on your larger goal to be happy, healthy and free from suffering.

Hope these points may help someone else out there....

Lots of new years love and and self-compassion
ELMOxxx