Imagine you're holding a newborn baby.  Note how gentle and careful you are, honoring how fragile and precious the little life is.  What if you handled yourself with such care?

Chances are you'd never talk to a child (or anyone else for that matter) the way you talk to yourself.  Shame and self-loathing aren't very good motivators.  When we approach ourselves with tenderness, we become open to the possibility for compassion and healing.

Close your eyes and take a deep breath, and connect with your soul.  What is happening inside you today?  What do you need physically?  Emotionally?  Spiritually?  Gently honor these needs without judgment.  Doing so might require you to set boundaries in other areas of your life.  If I am in need of more rest, I need to have boundaries around my work and play time so that I have enough time to relax and sleep.  This doesn't make me lazy, selfish, gluttonous, or any other negative thing.  It makes me human.  If a baby needs sleep we don't judge.  Give yourself the same gift of nonjudgment. 

When we treat ourselves with lovingkindness we build up or spiritual reserves for the difficulties that life brings us.  Nobody is immune from life's challenges, and we have the freedom to determine how we face them.  Being tender with ourselves gives us the strength to carry on.  How can you be tender with yourself today?