As physicians, we strive to be wonderful healers but we are particularly vulnerable to anxiety, stress overload, unhealthy self-criticism, self-judgments, and compassion fatigue because of our competitive training and emotionally exhausting work environments. Having compassion for others starts with having compassion for ourselves!
In Dr. Kristin Neff’s research, self-compassion includes self-kindness, a sense of common humanity – we are not alone in our imperfections – and mindfulness. Both mindfulness and self-compassion involve an attitude of curiosity and non-judgment towards our unique experiences.
We are human, we are not perfect, we fail, we make mistakes, and that’s OK!
© 2021 Pink Coat, MD
