Nearly a year ago, I learned an important lesson about self-compassion. You see, went through one of those weeks you never want to repeat. I was sick, not just a little under the weather, but properly unwell. The kind of sick where even getting out of bed feels like a marathon.
For me, that’s rare. I’m usually healthy and full of energy.
That week, I had none. It knocked me out so badly that my usual sense of drive and productivity went straight out the window. Still coughing and still tired, I had to face something that was actually harder than the illness itself. I had to practise self-compassion.
The Real Challenge Was in My Head
Physically, I couldn’t do much. Mentally, I kept battling the voice that told me I was lazy for not getting things done. I love being productive. I love ticking off tasks. But my body simply couldn’t play along.
My inner-critic was brutal. It was trying to convince me that it was all going to fall apart because I wasn’t getting anything done.
But self-compassion became my lifeline. It meant telling myself, “It’s okay to rest. You’re not failing, you’re healing.” It meant noticing when guilt tried to creep in and choosing to replace it with kindness.
The Visa Nightmare
Of course, the universe wasn’t done with me yet. Right in the middle of all this, I had to extend my visitor visa in Fiji. I was given the wrong information by an immigration official, which led to a one mile walk, an hour of waiting, and being told I needed to apply online instead.
With my visa about to expire, I had no choice but to drag myself into town again, pay at a bank (no local account meant no easy transfer), photograph the receipt and upload it. By the time it was finally resolved, I was beyond exhausted.
When the immigration officer told me I was fine, I could have cried. In fact, I almost did.
Why Self-Compassion Mattered Most
Looking back now, that week taught me that self-compassion isn’t just a nice idea for when life is easy. It’s essential when life is hard. Without it, I would have added shame, guilt and frustration on top of exhaustion and stress.
Self-compassion reminded me that my worth isn’t tied to my productivity. That week, my biggest achievement was allowing myself to rest without labelling it as weakness.
A Gentle Reminder for You
So, if you’re going through something tough, whether it’s illness, stress or sheer burnout, please remember this:
- It’s okay to stop.
- It’s okay to rest.
- It’s okay to choose self-compassion over self-criticism.
Your health comes first. Your to-do list will wait. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is be kind to yourself.
That lesson from nearly a year ago has stayed with me. Self-compassion is not just something I practise when things go wrong. It’s something I carry with me every day. And I hope you will too.
I’d love to hear from you! Have you ever struggled with being kind to yourself during tough times? Share your story or thoughts in the comments below. Let’s support each other!
