Are you at war with yourself? Let’s change that.

What are you hoping to achieve by being so hard on yourself?

Do you really think squeezing harder will help you grow?

It doesn’t work like that.

Think about how you’d help someone else grow—a partner, a child, a team member, or a friend.

You wouldn’t push them harder when they’re already struggling. Instead, you’d encourage them.

You’d focus on what’s going well and help them build from there.

Why should it be any different for you?

Sure, you could have 

…done it differently
…said it more eloquently
… prepared more diligently

Trust that in any given moment, you are simply doing the best that you can with the tools you have. The saying goes, when you know better, you do better.

Feel it. Learn from it. Release it.

And then let it go.

Here’s what I know for sure: When you are kind to yourself—you create space to grow and thrive.

Here are 5 Ways to Practice Kindness and Create More Freedom, Peace, and Joy in Your Life:

1️⃣ Practice positive self-talk in the moment.
Catch yourself when you’re spiraling into criticism and flip the narrative.
“I handled that pretty well.”
“I’m proud of how I showed up today.”

2️⃣ Ask yourself: "Would I say this to someone I love?"

If the answer is no, see if you can SHIFT the thought.

Instead of “I can’t believe I messed that up,” try:

“I’m learning as I go, and this will make me better.”

3️⃣  Take a pause and name the feeling.

When doubt creeps in, pause and ask yourself:

“What am I actually feeling right now?”

Naming it—stress, fear, overwhelm—helps separate the emotion from your identity.

You’re not the doubt; you’re just experiencing it.

4️⃣ Write down three things you’re proud of today.

No matter how small, celebrate wins:

• You showed up for that tough meeting.

• You got out of bed when it felt hard.

• You reached out for help.
  
  The act of noticing shifts your inner voice from doubt to encouragement.

5️⃣ Feed the version of yourself you want to grow into.
Stop judging who you are right now. Instead, ask:
“What does the best version of me need today?”
Then do that.

Your relationship with yourself is the foundation for everything in your life.

When you stop battling yourself and focus on building a supportive, accepting inner home, you open the door to peace, growth, and true freedom.

✨ Which of these practices will you try this week?

Reply to this email or comment—I’d love to hear your thoughts.

Let’s end the battle and start leading with compassion and love.

In love + leadership,

Mandy

P.S. Know someone who needs this reminder? Send it to them and share the love.

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