Discover how compliments to yourself can enhance internal stability and attract supportive relationships.

One of the hardest things about being an adult is learning how to maintain stability. The term stability is typically linked to financial security while internal stability is often overlooked. Internal stability can be maintained in so many nuanced ways, but today we’re going to highlight the importance of compliments as a self-care practice.

It’s already known that compliments can go a long way and make a huge difference on people’s moods — whether you’re giving or receiving a compliment. We’ve also previously written about giving compliments that are geared toward personality and effort. Now, let us explore how we can be a bit kinder to ourselves through self-acknowledgement and personal celebration. 

This won’t only make your internal world a bit brighter, but it will help you attract and connect with like-minded individuals who will pour positively into you as much as you pour positively into yourself.

Personal development can be hard, and keeping a positive mindset can sometimes be harder; however, becoming your own cheerleader can go a long way. Do you wish you were more compassionate, patient, or understanding? Do you wish you were more motivated and less uninspired? Well, here’s how: positive reinforcement.

Positive reinforcement is the process of rewarding desired behavior in order to increase the likelihood of that behavior being repeated in the future. When you take a moment to acknowledge when you’ve done something that you’re genuinely proud of, you are holding space for yourself. In that space, speak to yourself kindly. 

Maybe getting out of bed was super hard this morning, and maybe it led to you being a bit late; however, if you got up and arrived at your destination — give or take 5 minutes — you deserve to be proud of yourself. Self-care isn’t just about indulgence, it’s about being nurtured by yourself. Compliments and positive self-talk are musts! 

“I got out of bed this morning, and I am proud of myself. Good job to myself for getting up even though I legitimately doubted that I could find the strength to do it.” It might feel silly at first, but imagine how you’d want your ideal friend to speak to you when you’re in need of some TLC. Learning how to become more compassionate and kind begins from within, and the best way to create a loving and nurturing community is through being that person for yourself. That way you can recognize who is truly meant for you, and who is not.

Another perfect time to hold space for yourself is when you solve an issue. This can be any issue. From small to large. From trivial to nearly catastrophic. In our lifetimes, we will experience stress. We will experience trials and tribulations, and we have to consistently show up for ourselves because — quite frankly — we don’t often have any other choice; however, these experiences are where we build our internal strength. This internal strength creates a powerful foundation for our inner selves and our inner stability.

Try repeating sentences like these to yourself each and every time you do a good job: 

  • “I didn’t know how I was going to do it, I was scared, and I still solved this problem. I am capable, and I did good for myself.”
  • “My problem solving skills are actually quite impressive. I deserve a pat on the back for that one.”
  • “I have an incredible knack for finding solutions. Good job me!”

Again, this may feel silly at first, but it’s important to remember that it feels silly because it’s new — not because it’s wrong. Make sure to sit with yourself and these positive words for at least one minute. Let the positivity sink in.

Many people worry about becoming conceited or even delusional about their accomplishments or growing confidence. This is understandable, but it is also important to remember that life is about balance. In balance we find stability.

Life will always be there to teach you a thing or two, and life will knock you down sometimes. That does not mean you don’t deserve to pat yourself on the back every time you succeed. Even if that said success was brushing your teeth this morning.

The next step is to find others who will help you up when you are feeling down. Cyasoon is dedicated to helping like-minded individuals find each other and build meaningful friendships. It only takes 15 seconds, and you can try us out as many times as you’d like. We support you and your journey toward creating community; so, check us out.