Beginning the Year With Self-Compassion
Written By Kaitlyn Lewis, LPC
January often greets us with excitement and pressure all at once. There is talk of fresh starts and reinvention, yet many people enter the new year feeling tired, overwhelmed, or unsure of what they want. At our practice, we see this often: the beginning of a new year can bring hopes for change, but also grief for what did not happen, or anxiety about what lies ahead.
Self-compassion offers a grounding place to start. Instead of asking yourself to become someone entirely new, self-compassion invites you to honor who you already are.
Practical ways to practice self-compassion in January
1. Talk to yourself the way you would speak to a friend.
If you would not call a friend a failure for losing momentum, offer yourself the same gentleness.
A helpful question: “What would I say to someone I care about who felt the way I feel?”
2. Reduce goals into steps that are actually doable.
Instead of “I should completely change my routine,” try “I will start by adding one small supportive habit.”
Small steps are not signs of weakness. They are signs of sustainability.
3. Pause to acknowledge what last year required of you.
This could be journaling, a simple mental inventory, or naming emotions aloud. Reflection is part of healing.
4. Stay connected.
Self-compassion is often easier to practice when someone walks with you. Therapy can offer accountability, emotional support, and tools for working with your unique nervous system.
Resources that can support self-compassion
Self-Compassion by Dr. Kristin Neff (book or website)
Mindful Self-Compassion guided meditations (free online)
“RAIN” practice by Tara Brach (Recognize, Allow, Investigate, Nurture)
If you want guidance building self-compassion into your daily life, our therapists are here to help.
