Today was not just an ordinary day for me. It was a day where I practiced being nice to myself. To savor the fresh air, the mountain views, every turn of my bicycle wheels, and every moment of being. Today was about a unique journey - a bicycle ride, fueled not by physical strength, but by the power of self-empathy.
Self-empathy is all about stepping back and understanding our emotions and experiences from a different perspective. It's about recognizing our feelings, validating them, and responding to our needs with care. It's a skill often overlooked in our fast-paced world. And although I am getting better at it, I sure could use some practice and it was my focus for the day.
As I was enjoying my morning coffee on the deck, I decided to head out on my bicycle. The day was perfect for a ride - clear skies, a gentle breeze, and the warm, comforting embrace of the summer sun above. And after this crazy week, I needed a break.
I plotted a nice new route and as I was getting ready to hit the road, I felt a sense of trepidation mixed with anticipation. The events of this past week had been creeping up on me - worries about one of our kids and pushing myself in my business had resulted in a general feeling of being stressed. So I decided to use this bicycle ride as an opportunity to practice self-empathy.
Today's bicycle ride was going to be more than just a physical journey; it was an emotional voyage of self-discovery. And it became special because it was guided by empathy; empathy towards myself. It was about a deep understanding and acknowledgment that it's okay not to have everything under control all the time, that I will reach my goal all the same if I take it easy sometimes, and that it's the journey that counts.
My worries about our daughter, too, were not something to be shoved aside. Instead, it was a gentle nudge, a reminder to take a step back and look at the big picture. It was a reminder to prioritize and focus on what was essential. And my feeling of overwhelm was nothing more than a call for help. It was my inner self asking for a pause, for a moment to simply breathe and be.
And with this, those rolling hills didn't just feel different; they became different. Each turn, each stream I crossed, and each hill I conquered, became a testament to my inner journey. They weren't just elements of my route; they became milestones on my path of self-empathy, markers of a journey that was making this ride truly special.
And so, as I hang up my helmet and put away my bicycle, I know that I carry with me more than just the memory of a beautiful summer ride. I carry with me the profound experience of self-empathy, a skill I will continue to cultivate and practice, whether I'm on or off my bicycle. Because the journey of self-empathy isn't a one-day ride, it's a lifelong adventure.
About the author
Bouwien (Bo) Luppes, seasoned solopreneur, and certified life coach, brings a wealth of global experience to her work. With six successful solo ventures across three countries and two continents under her belt, she intimately understands the challenges faced by women in solo entrepreneurship. This extensive experience, merged with a passion to empower others, inspired her to found Coach 4 Solopreneurs, where she offers support and guidance tailored to the unique journey of female solopreneurs.
Thanks for the reminder that it's truly important to take the time for self-empathy. Our Western culture does not teach or value this very often. It's a skill I too am trying to practice. I definitely need alot more practice.
Such good insight which I need right now! We are on a journey and it’s not only okay to pause it’s really healthy! Pausing to take a look at the bigger picture.