Given that this is the beginning of a new year, it is the perfect time to think about how you can begin to cultivate healthy, strong, satisfying relationships, Dr. Robin says. We have people in our lives that compassionately give to us, and others who compassionately challenge us and call forth the best in us. How can we be compassionate friends and prevent ourselves from harnessing judgment toward ourselves and others?
Being a good friend to yourself and others means that you don't judge yourself and you don't judge someone else, Dr. Robin says. At the same time, it doesn't mean you don't have an opinion about things. "There a huge difference between having a thought and becoming attached to that thought in a way that you become either a condemning presence to yourself or a condemning presence to someone else," she says.
Find that soft place in our own heart and spirit, even for the things that we feel very strongly about, Dr. Robin says. "Decide that you are going to learn how to feel tenderness and grace for yourself, and as you embrace all of that you will be able to give it as a gift," she says. "A free gift to everyone you meet."
