On Self Compassion

There was an interesting article in the New York Times about self compassion titled "Go Easy on Yourself, a New Research Urges" written by Tara Parker-Pope.
Tidbits-
"Do you treat yourself as well as you treat others?
People who find it easy to be supportive and understanding to others, it turns out, often score surprisingly low on self-compassion tests, berating themselves for perceived failures like being overweight or not exercising.
The research suggests that giving ourselves a break and accepting our imperfections may be the first step toward better health. People who score high on tests of self-compassion have less depression and anxiety, and tend to be happier and more optimistic."
"Imagine your reaction to a child struggling in school or eating too much junk food. Many parents would offer support, like tutoring or making an effort to find healthful foods the child will enjoy. But when adults find themselves in a similar situation — struggling at work, or overeating and gaining weight — many fall into a cycle of self-criticism and negativity. That leaves them feeling even less motivated to change."
"Dr. Neff suggests a set of exercises — like writing yourself a letter of support, just as you might to a friend you are concerned about. Listing your best and worst traits, reminding yourself that nobody is perfect and thinking of steps you might take to help you feel better about yourself are also recommended."

All interesting ideas.
I find myself in the position of helping others alot. I am THAT friend that will help you paint your house, bring you food when you are sick, offer to help and actually follow through. I am also THAT mom who seems to be wearing the same clothes everyday, has inch long roots and can't seem to figure out what the hell to do with my own space.
Mid life crisis- swimming through it and sometimes hitting some stormy seas- which by the way is one of the scariest things I can imagine- floating around in the middle of a cold sea during a storm, at night. eeks. THIS isn't scary like that. phew.
A good lesson IS to list the positives and perhaps just forget about the negatives because that is just written reinforcement of what I already think.  Writing the positives does seem self indulgent but fuck it- here it is:
I have a good sense of color, I am good at fixing things, I am a decent cook, I am good at figuring things out, I am good at multitasking, I am thoughtful and mostly considerate, I am creative, I can count backwards by sevens really fast, I am well traveled, my brain came with it's own GPS- making it very difficult for me to get lost. I am a good listener, I can carry a tune, I can carry at least 50 pounds no problem, I pretty much have a photographic memory for places.  I am outgoing, I am friendly but have been told, not literally, that I have an air that says "Stay away from me lest I bite you" I have nice fingernails when they aren't dirty. I am a good driver.  I have a dark sense of humor (Which I believe to be a good thing) I am good at rhyming. I have rhythm. Put those two together and you'd think I could rap- but I can't- at least I never tried. I can do my own tax returns. When I am your friend you can count on me for almost anything because I am and truly believe that I am a good friend.
and my letter of support
Dear Susanna- you silly little minx (like cheeky not the sexy seductive kind)

Yes I AM lucky.
now off to get my ultrasound!