I apologized to myself today
I've been having a pretty rough few days with movement, and have been feeling low. And in pain! It's been hard. And I have been feeling negative toward my body because of this. I have a hard time finding the correct words to say what I'm trying to say, and I say 'stupid brain'. I forget how to spell a word and I say 'stupid brain'. I fumble something that I'm trying to hold or move, and (did you guess it?) 'stupid hands'. The list goes on.
I caught myself today, becoming incredibly frustrated trying to do simple tasks and fumbling and wobbling through. And I got really mad at my body. So I sat down on the spot. On the floor. Took a few deep breaths.
And it hit me like a ton of bricks. I don't react in this manner when the people around me have a similar difficulty. I give them patience. So why don't I give it to my own body?
So I said (and yes, it was out loud for any nosy person to overhear) I said, "body, I am so sorry. You're going through a really tough time and you're doing the best you can. And self, please remember to love body, we're all in this skinbag together."
Then I regretted my decision to sit on the floor, flopped around to find a hand hold to stand back up, and went on with my day. With the same troubles, but less frustration.
I feel like we're taught for so long perfection that it's really hard for a person to be at peace with not being able to perform up to their own standards. I've still got some work to do, but I think it was an important moment to really just address the feelings with myself. And just wanted to share.
Give yourselves some love today 💜
Thank you for sharing this moment—it’s so powerful. That self-compassion and patience you showed yourself is something we all could use more of. It’s true that we’re often our own harshest critics, quick to criticize our bodies when they struggle, even though they’re doing everything they can with what they’re facing. Your kindness toward yourself is such a great reminder that we don’t have to be perfect or meet some impossible standard to be worthy of love and patience. And that out-loud apology to your body? Such a beautiful, grounding act. Wishing you more moments like this as you go on, with all the love and patience you deserve. 💜 -Latoya (Team Member) I've been focusing more on self awareness this last year, and how I affect myself. When I get upset with my body, it just causes whatever I'm struggling with to get worse.
This approach is something I've been promoting at work with my colleagues. They will make a mistake, or do something wrong and automatically blame themselves and pull themselves down. I'm usually the person helping them correct the mistake, so the first thing I tell them is to take a breath, forgive yourself. I don't need you to be perfect, but I do need your focus. So feel your feelings, give yourself grace, and then we can find a solution to move forward. And I think that it does help. Validation without depreciation.
I always appreciate your thoughts and reactions to my posts, thank you so much! Much love 💜
- I just love reading this. The compassion and patience you gave yourself is a gift to all who read your story today. It is easy to be tough on ourselves and that voice in the head is powerful. I'm so glad that you took a moment and have reminded us to be kind, too. Thank you, Lisa you are so right! It's so easy to be tough on ourselves and blame ourselves, and it's hard to step back and assess. Thank you for your thoughts! And sending much love 💜
Thank you for sharing this. It’s so powerful to see someone practicing self-compassion, especially during those frustrating, difficult days. The way you caught yourself in that moment, took a breath, and extended patience to your own body—like you would for anyone else—really speaks to the strength of kindness we can have toward ourselves. It’s something so many of us forget to do.
Just wanted to pop by here and say that you should absolutely, totally, definitely look into motivational speaking!!! I have no doubt that you would be incredible at it. You're such a support here in this community. I just have a feeling you'd be amazing at it! 🧡 Kayleigh, Team Member that is so sweet and I really appreciate you saying that.
Ever since high school I felt the draw, but never could really come up with a message of value to pursue the idea.
I really did well with the spoken word poetry scene for almost a decade, but drifted away because it often draws on pain and negative experiences, and I was ready to leave that behind.
But over the last few years, I've been toying with a positivity/support approach to... not so much motivational speaking but maybe seminars. With guided activities and group participation. I think it would be so empowering and potentially a lot of fun.
It would be a lot of work, but I've got a lot of love to share 💜
As a somewhat recently diagnosed person, it was very helpful to read your post. I, too, have gotten frustrated when "simple tasks" were now beyond me. Sometimes I will seek out a neighbor to open a jar. Other times I will give up and just have something more easily accessible. My Favorite is (read sarcasm) when I reach in the fridge, grab something with my left hand (Forgetting the Nerve Damage) and it "magically" falls to the floor. I am still learning the ropes and completing Intro to Life with MS lessons. Absolute worst is my marriage shattered due to my ex getting diagnosed with MS--no, can't go talk with him. Thankful for this Group's support.
yes, I 100% support that intention! That's beautiful, and yes, much needed!
Alene (team member)wow! That's such a great point. It sounds like it's a win win all around then - easier to open, and stays fresh & sanitary longer. And the pup benefits is a huge bonus too! Thanks for sharing such a practical and helpful tip.
Best
Alene (team member)
