Regular check-in with yourself to list what HAS been achieved helps. I've been talking to my sister about this on an individual level recently; as disabled freelancers (she's a journalist, I'm an illustrator) we have both put pressure on ourselves to be 'the perfect advocate' and have been talking about acknowledging what we already do through our work, not expecting ourselves to match full-time-influencer levels of content, and not being obligated to do things beyond our individual capacity. We both need rest and to focus on the things we can do and already do, not the things we think we should, in order to look after our mental and physical health.
Advice please! How can we be kinder to ourselves? I'm looking for tips on how to create a culture of self-compassion, instead of beating ourselves up for not being perfect. I work with people who are striving to make their organisations more just and equitable. By the time we work together, they've been working hard at this for years. (And I don't waste my time with people who just want to look “inclusive” without doing the hard work). You can *feel* their commitment. At the same time, you can feel their self-criticism. Their disappointment in themselves, for not having completely eliminated racist, ableist or sexist hiring practices in the last six months. For not having rebuilt their entire nonprofit, in a couple of years. For not single-handedly turning an entire culture around. (Oh, and these people are the same people who experience racism, ableist, sexism and so on!) Obviously, there's still a lot of work to do. But how can we support each other better? I'm looking for ideas on how to: • support people who are trying their hardest, • help them see what they're getting right, • hold on to their successes and celebrate their wins. Thank you for any advice or tips!
