Have you noticed that we live in a comparison culture? Bombarded by images of other people being awesome? Too often, we come up short in the comparison game. The antidote? Self-compassion.
I bet when you see a client, colleague, friend or even a stranger in crisis or pain, you’re pretty good at extending your compassion.
But, what about when the person who is suffering is you? Most of us are not quite so understanding. We often neglect to give the same kindness to ourselves.
I know I have a little negative-self talk gremlin that pops up at the most inconvenient times. I can be pretty hard on myself sometimes.
It turns out I am not the only one.
In the over 8,000 hours that I have coached over my career, I would bet that in at least half of the sessions my client has told me some version of a story that includes the words: “I am not good enough, smart enough, talented enough, tough enough, big enough, small enough, courageous enough, quiet enough, loud enough …” Sad, but true.
The more alarming reality is that in every case, each of these individuals were exponentially more than enough. They just didn’t see it, or believe it.
What the world needs now, in my humble opinion, is less judgement and negativity and more COMPASSION!!
There, I said it.
Compassion for others begins with compassion for ourselves my friends. It’s true. Don’t you think it’s time?
You know I’m on a professional development mission (I hope you’re feeling inspired to join me), so I wanted to share another fabulous find. It’s a program on Self-Compassion being launched by one of my fave self-development providers, Sounds True. Here is a short clip that I just love about the importance of self-compassion. It makes the point.
I was excited to discover that there is a series of free modules on self-compassion available. It’s a three video series. You can listen to them by following the link below. I did, and I hope you will too. I have actually signed up to take the full program as a result. Here you go:
Free Series – The Power of Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff and Chris Germer – Listen Now
Yes, you can access your inner ally! Yes, you are enough! Self-compassion is such an important skill. And, if you are a parent, what an important skill to model for (and teach to) your kids!
I hope you enjoy these free teachings as much as I did. If you are as jazzed as I am about it, you can sign up for the full course here.
Be sure to let me know what you think. I’d love to hear from you.
Now, say it with me… I AM ENOUGH 🙂

Author: Cathy Shaughnessy
Cathy Shaughnessy is an ICF Assessor and PRISM award-winning ICF Master Certified Coach. Cathy mentors credentialed coaches and she creates tools and programs to assist coaches to successfully earn their ICF Credentials. Get more information on Cathy’s group mentor coaching programs here. Check out the latest resource for coaches, How to Learn the ICF Competencies – 32 Fun Activities to Get You Started.
Click the image below to download the Free Easy Tracking Form for Coaches and get tools and resources from Cathy!

Cathy Shaughnessy is an ICF Assessor and PRISM award-winning ICF Master Certified Coach. Cathy mentors credentialed coaches and she creates tools and programs to assist coaches to successfully earn their ICF Credentials. Get more information on Cathy’s group mentor coaching programs here. Check out the latest resource for coaches, How to Learn the ICF Competencies – 32 Fun Activities to Get You Started.
Click the image below to download the Free Easy Tracking Form for Coaches and get tools and resources from Cathy!