When compassion is in order, we find it within ourselves to muster up more love than we can imagine. Go ahead and start learning about compassion, with giving compassion to yourself. It’s not selfish, and in fact it’s the best place to start.

Suffering is optional: For most people, this is a radical statement. "Whaddya MEAN, suffering is optional? Doesn't feel optional to me." We choose whether or not we suffer over the voices of our inner critic, what others think of us, the jobs we go to. Just start with the choice--the simple, everyday acknowledgment of the fact that you have choices, options. Suffering is optional--so what are you choosing?

Yes, it feels weird…but it’s so helpful to create a dialogue with your inner self. Here’s how.

What are you grateful for? My friend Yvonne sometimes says, "Don't move, until you're moved." Meaning: don't move until you sink so deeply into your gratitude that it warms your heart.