By Camille Keith
As Valentine’s Day approaches, thoughts often turn to romantic relationships. But, what about the relationship we have with ourselves?
It’s often easier to focus on how we care about others, but it’s also important to treat ourselves with love and compassion. Many people are more critical of themselves than they are of others. If you start to get stuck in negative self-talk, try to think about what you would say to a friend in a similar situation.
When something doesn’t go your way, remember that this doesn’t mean things will always be bad. Accept what happened, and remember that you can try something different next time. As we practice being kind to ourselves, we may gain a new perspective on the situation.
Part of self-care is learning to accept all of our feelings without judging them. There’s nothing wrong with feeling sad or angry. Recognizing our feelings also means recognizing that feelings are separate from actions. Just because we feel angry, doesn’t mean we have to act on it. You get to choose if you want to yell, throw something, go for a walk, or write in your journal. You can also feel angry or upset about a situation without getting mad at yourself.
Want to learn more about self-compassion and practice better self-care? Counseling provides a safe space to explore your emotions and thought patterns. My focus is on providing individual counseling, to help you understand yourself better and explore what you want from your relationships with others.
Camille Keith, MS, NCC is an LPC Intern under the supervision of Tara Sanderson PsyD, and provides individual counseling to help you clarify your values and maintain your sense of self in relationships. For more information, call (971) 295-1547 or visit camillekeith.com
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