Inspirational Poetry
Don’t Leave Yourself Behind
Dancing Elephants Press Prompt week 28 of 52 Kindness
You can’t take care of others if you don’t take care of yourself first. Self-care is not a luxury, it is a necessity. Never leave yourself behind. Give yourself the same care that you would give to others. You deserve to feel happy and vibrant.
You are kinder to others than you are to yourself. Kristin Neff’s book, Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself, is one of the most influential books I have read. She explains that it is natural to be self-critical.
This simple idea was mindblowing for me and transformed the way I speak to myself. Whenever I am feeling down I remember negative thoughts are natural, but I don’t have to wallow in them. Give yourself the love and appreciation that you impart to your friends and family.
“At the most basic level, self-compassion simply requires being a good friend to ourselves.” — Kristin Neff
The kindest people in the world know pain they feel what others feel and when no hope seems to remain they’re here to help you heal
Be a good friend, a confidant someone that has your back help you discover what you want and get you back on track
But remember you are important to don’t sacrifice yourself the one person you should be kindest to is yourself
Don’t leave yourself behind oh let yourself unwind don’t leave yourself behind yourself behind
Don’t analyze, self criticize all the things you do don’t let your faulty mind disguise your brilliance please be true
Take some time to lift you up do what feeds your soul you can’t pour from an empty cup do things to make you whole
But remember you are important to don’t sacrifice yourself the one person you should be kindest to is yourself
Don’t leave yourself behind oh let yourself unwind don’t leave yourself behind yourself behind
© Leah Lynch 2021
Take Self-Compassion Breaks
If you are feeling overwhelmed or start doubting yourself, step away from the situation. Kristin Neff calls this a self-compassion break. Negative emotions feed off of one another. This small break allows you to escape the downward spiral of your ego and gives you a more realistic perspective of the situation.
Empathy Is Not Only for Others
Practicing empathy helps you truly understand where others are coming from, but how often do you empathize with yourself? When you understand your own emotions, you give yourself the love you deserve. Next time you are beating yourself up, offer yourself empathy instead.
Setting Boundaries Is Key
Setting boundaries isn’t selfish, it is an act of self-love and self-preservation. Know your limits and don’t let others cross them. Be there for your friends and family, but don’t sacrifice your own well-being. When you respect yourself, everyone else starts to respect you too.
Self-Care Days Are Vital
Never feel guilty for taking a day off. It actually recharges your energy and makes you more productive. Your self-care ritual should be something that helps you forget all of your worries and relax. For me, it is a good massage or acupuncture and going on hikes with my dog.
Love yourself no matter what and offer yourself the same care and consideration that you give others. Speak to yourself kindly and you will watch your relationships transform before your eyes. When you are in a good place emotionally, every area of your life improves.
Taking care of yourself allows you to show up for others. Self-care fuels your soul and relaxes your body. You don’t have to sacrifice your own needs to have an impact on the world. Loving yourself creates a ripple effect that gives you the opportunity to spread hope and positivity.
Thank you Annelise Lords for this beautiful writing prompt!
Please read Garima Sharma’s gorgeous poem on self-love. It is absolute gold.
