We often hear about the importance of relationships for our well-being—how essential it is to develop skills like communication and empathy to foster healthy connections with others. Strong relationships and meaningful connections are vital for creating environments where we can truly thrive. Yet, how often do we shift that focus inward to examine and nurture the relationship we have with ourselves?
Take a Moment to Reflect
The benefits of improving the quality of our relationships with others are often undeniable. Through experience, we understand how deeply the quality of our lives is influenced by how we connect with and relate to those around us.
Despite our awareness of the importance of relationships with others, the idea of working on our relationship with ourselves can often feel less obvious or harder to grasp.
There are likely many reasons for this.
For instance, you might have a natural tendency to prioritize others over yourself, or fear that what you discover within yourself doesn’t align with your ideal or hoped-for image. Sometimes, we can also become so distracted by the demands and distractions of the world around us that we lose touch with ourselves in the process.
Regardless of the reason, it’s helpful to periodically check in with your relationship with yourself. After all, how you treat yourself directly influences how you show up for others and engage with the world around you.
Moments of Reflection
The following points may be helpful to consider as you reflect on the current state of your relationship with yourself:
- Do you make time for your needs and take action to address them?
- Do you treat yourself with kindness in your self-talk?
- Do you forgive yourself when you make mistakes?
- Do you recognize and celebrate your successes and strengths?
- Are you actively pursuing your dreams?
Bring It to Coaching
You might consider using the questions above as a writing exercise or as topics for discussion in your coaching sessions. If you’re looking to improve your relationship with yourself, reflecting on the insights you gain from your answers can provide a solid foundation for becoming more connected and compassionate with yourself.