Self compassion motivates women with adhd to be their best selves

Although it seems like common sense that we will be happier if we are kind to ourselves, most of us are not. In western society, the path we think we should follow to happiness is often outside of ourselves. When we don’t accomplish the things we think we should, or fit the image of ourselves that we think we should, our choice is often to berate ourselves, scold ourselves and shame ourselves.

It is really no wonder that this is our strategy, as this is what we are taught from an early age by the adults around us. If you do and say and act the way we want, than we will reward you. If you do not do these things, than you will be punished. We have learned this from the people who love us, who themselves did not understand how harmful this approach is. For women with ADHD, this is particularly insidious. Learning to be self compassionate is a game changer.

Self compassiom makes it easier for women with adhd to make mistakes

The problem with this formula is it doesn’t work. The harsher we are with ourselves, the worse we fare. We begin to engage in patterns of denial, and avoidance because it is too hard for us to reach our expectations. We begin to have trouble accepting responsibility for our mistakes, because if each time we make a mistake we pummel ourselves with self-criticism, it becomes much harder to admit that we make them. If we don’t allow ourselves to make mistakes, we never
learn.

Self compassion makes it easier to make mistakes.

Self compassion leads to better relationship choices

If we can’t be kind to ourselves, we look for people who make us feel like we are okay. Deep down we feel like if only someone else loves us, than maybe we are lovable. Yet seeking happiness in this way is never successful. If we convince ourselves that we are only okay when others tell us we are okay, that sets us up for a lot of pain and suffering. We can’t find happiness if we are turned against ourselves. We won’t find it in other people, in a job, in a possession or in an accomplishment.

Self compassion makes it easier to love ourselves, and make good choices for ourselves.

Lack of self-compassion leads to defensiveness and protectiveness

Lack of self-compassion also leads to protectiveness. Lack of compassion and self hate are very closely related. If you feel inadequate you are more likely to be judgmental and defensive. Putting people down to make yourself feel better is a common strategy that people use when they are unhappy with themselves. Additionally, being unable to examine your own intentions, interactions, and motivations honestly is common for people who lack self compassion. You may blame
yourself or blame others unfairly without being able to step back and take stock of what’s actually happening. This behavior is harmful, and will ultimately lead to more unhappiness and dissatisfaction with relationships.

Part of self compassion willingness to allow and accept the way things are. In fact this is an important precondition to change. If there are things you want to change and improve in your life, you have to first honestly look at and accept the way things are. Self compassion leads to genuine authentic and open relationships.

Self compassion allows you to begin to love you just the way you are.

Why do we feel like we are never okay?

As a women with adhd you have been taught that because you are different you are not okay. Often before diagnosis there have been years and layers of shaming and masking because you are different.

We need to deconstruct ourselves and our ideas of what is important if we want to be happy. This begins with the idea of whether or not we are okay just the way we are. Is it possible?

How would you feel if you thought you were okay
just the way you are?

Self compassion is important to help use feel like we are allowed to be imperfect. Which is important because we are all flawed

Medical information obtained from this website is not intended as a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you have a problem, you should consult a healthcare provider.