Compassion Starts With a Selfie

by Skip Cohen

It's Sunday morning, and as usual, I avoid writing about business and marketing. Reflections is just that—whatever's on my mind when I sit down at the computer. Whatever I write is more personal, but I do my best to make it relatable.

I've written in the past about a habit Sheila and I got into many years ago - reading something inspirational each morning. She tends to like things more spiritual, while I go to more of a positive thinking trend. The thoughts we share from various authors are always worthy of an "a-ha" moment.

The other day, Cyndie Spiegel in her book, A Year of Positive Thinking, had this thought for the day...

Compassion is the most generous gift you can give yourself. Show yourself the same mercy, sympathy, and kindness that you bestow upon others. It's difficult to show compassion toward others if you don't show it to yourself first. Start with yourself, and then allow it to spread outward.

Here's my point today - We've all made mistakes. Too often, we're so hard on ourselves for simply being human. We really don't show enough compassion for the face in the mirror! And Cyndie's right - compassion has to come from our heart and be shown to ourselves first.

I wish everybody a day with no regrets and a day filled with compassion for yourself first, and then let it overflow to anyone in your life who needs it. Go for those eleven-second hugs I've written about for the last ten years with those you love the most...and don't forget to give your heart a big hug first!

Happy Sunday or Monday if you're on the other side of the world.