Do you find yourself putting others first no matter the cost to yourself?

Is it common for you to disregard your own needs?

Are you often berating yourself because you could have done better this time?

Do the words “should”, “must” and “have to” come up in your daily thoughts?

If you answered ‘yes’, then perhaps it’s time to treat YOU with as much kindness as you’d treat your loved ones, family or friends!

I was working with a new client last week, and as we tapped on the set up, I asked her to repeat, “Even though all of what I’ve said could be true, I’m willing to treat myself with a little more kindness”. She couldn’t say those words. Her throat closed up and the words were stuffed down. She admitted she had never considered the concept of treating herself with kindness.

It’s often easy to treat those around us with kindness and look out for their needs, yet at the same time, we forget about how we deserve to be treated.

So how do you deserve to be treated?

Consider your answer for a moment. Then ask yourself, ‘Am I treating myself in this way?”

Chances are, you believe you could be __________, should still be ____________, you’re too ____________, or you’re not ___________ enough.

Tapping on this…

• Start by acknowledging whatever just came up, e.g.

“Even though I’m too sensitive”, or
“Even though I’m still in an unfulfilling job” or
“Even though I’m not pretty enough”

and complete the set up with

“…I’m willing to treat myself with a little more kindness anyway”.

• Notice the emotion that arises when you say this second part.

Is it hard to say?
Have you ever considered such a concept?
Does it feel uncomfortable thinking of being kind to yourself, of all people?

• Then tap on how saying “…I’m willing to treat myself with a little more kindness anyway” makes you feel, e.g.,

“Even though it’s hard for me to treat myself with kindness, I’m open to the possibility I could”, or
“Even though I don’t deserve to treat myself with kindness because of what I did/said, I accept the part of me which believes this to be true”.

• Notice the language you use; your ‘self-talk’. Your body listens and holds on to such messages. Each time you hear yourself criticizing something you’ve done or haven’t done, or putting yourself down in some way, tap the karate chop point, and say, “I’m willing to treat myself with a little more kindness anyway”. Then notice how much lighter you feel!

I’d love to hear your results! Please comment below on how well this technique worked for you.