07/09/2025
👭 How would you treat a friend?
You know those moments when you’re feeling great, minding your own business, enjoying the day, and then…
BAM!
You catch an unflattering reflection of yourself in a store window.
Instantly, your inner critic chimes in: “Ugh, gross!”
It’s like a switch flips.
One glance, and suddenly, you’re obsessing over whatever imperfection you thought you saw. What was a perfectly good moment now has you spiraling into insecurity for the rest of the day. Your confidence takes a dive, and you can’t shake that feeling.
The rest of your thoughts? A constant replay of that one moment.
And here’s the funny part: everything was fine before that reflection. You were content, maybe even a little proud of how you were feeling…
…until that one second shifted everything.
Things like this can happen to anyone. We all have our hang-ups. But here’s the real question: What if, instead of letting that fleeting thought ruin your mood, you treated yourself the way you would treat a friend?
This may seem counterintuitive. We’re often taught to prioritize others’ needs over our own, especially when it comes to caring for our bodies.
Whether it’s making sure others are fed, supporting loved ones through tough times, or simply lending an ear, many of us are quick to offer kindness, care, and empathy to those around us.
But what about ourselves?
I get it. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea that self-compassion is selfish. In fact, many of us believe that we need to sacrifice our own needs for the sake of others. This “others-first” mindset can feel noble, but when we continually put others’ needs above our own, we begin to devalue our own worth.
And when we do this, it becomes harder to offer ourselves the same care we so freely give to others.
Let’s take a moment to reflect: How would you treat a friend who is struggling with body image?
Would you tell them to "just get over it" or “stop being so dramatic”?
Would you point out every flaw and criticize their appearance?
Or would you speak to them with kindness, offering reassurance and support?
Most of us would never speak to a friend the way we speak to ourselves when we’re having a difficult body day. On the contrary! We’d offer them encouragement, remind them of their worth, and show them compassion. But when it comes to our own struggles, we tend to be far less gentle.
Now, here’s the challenge: What would happen if you started treating yourself the way you would treat that friend?
When a critical thought arises about your body, pause and think: Would I say this to someone I love?
If you wouldn’t say it to a friend, why say it to yourself?
Treating yourself with kindness isn’t giving in, but recognizing that you are worthy of care, just as you are. Self-compassion is not just “letting yourself off the hook” or avoiding responsibility either. It’s giving yourself permission to be human, to have hard days, and to give yourself the grace you would offer to a dear friend.
