57 Self-Compassion Quotes To Show Yourself Kindness

Recently I’ve been delving into the topic of self-compassion. To keep you inspired I’m sharing 57 self-compassion quotes to remind you to show yourself kindness more often.

We as humans, are so tough on ourselves and we naturally lean towards self-criticism.

We may not realize we’re being so critical, but if we take a listen to our inner dialogue, the ugly truth rears its head.

This is why…

• We need to practice being kind to ourselves
• We must provide love and support instead of criticism

Being self-compassionate of course takes practice, like anything important in life.

So, to give you some inspiration I’m sharing some powerful self-compassion quotes that will help you rethink how you treat yourself.

What is the meaning of self-compassion?

As mentioned in my post on self-compassion exercises, to understand self-compassion starts with knowing what compassion is. 

Compassion is to have concern for the misfortunes and suffering of others. Therefore to be self-compassionate you will take this concern and apply it to yourself.

Self-compassion means treating yourself with kindness, empathy, and sympathy. 

Think about how you would speak to your own best friend who’s going through a tough time.

You wouldn’t be harsh and talk down to them for not succeeding – you would show kindness and understanding.

And this is exactly what we all need to get better at – showing this compassion to ourselves.

Hard times are a part of life, part of being a human being. It’s how we treat ourselves during these

“Self-compassion involves treating yourself with the same kindness, concern, and support you’d offer to a good friend.”

– Dr. Kristin Neff

Self-Compassion Quotes From Dr. Kristin Neff

Dr. Kristin Neff is an expert in the field of self-compassion. Here’s what she has to say about self-compassion…

1. “Self-compassion is an act of self-kindness, which we practice by resisting the urge to harshly judge or blame ourselves when we make a mistake. It means recognizing our common humanity and shared experience of imperfection. Self-compassion can be practiced at any time—not just in response to painful life circumstances.” 

2. “Whenever I notice something about myself I don’t like, or whenever something goes wrong in my life, I silently repeat the following phrases: This is a moment of suffering. Suffering is part of life. May I be kind to myself in this moment. May I give myself the compassion I need.” 

4. “Being human is not about being any one particular way; it is about being as life creates you—with your own particular strengths and weaknesses, gifts and challenges, quirks and oddities.” 

5. “Self-compassion is simply giving the same kindness to ourselves that we would give to others.”

6. “Instead of mercilessly judging and criticizing yourself for various inadequacies or shortcomings, self-compassion means you are kind and understanding when confronted with personal failings.”

7. “Self-compassion isn’t contingent on success or failure, it’s about honoring and accepting ourselves in every moment, no matter what arises.”

8. “Our successes and failures come and go—they neither define us nor do they determine our worthiness.”

9. “Self-compassion allows us to embrace our imperfections and see them as part of the shared human experience, rather than personal defects.”

10. “…as soon as you notice you’re suffering you automatically embrace yourself with compassion.”

11. “Self-compassion is a powerful path to healing and self-discovery. Embrace it, and you’ll find a deeper connection to yourself and others.”

More Self-Compassion Quotes

13. “You have been criticizing yourself for years, and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.” – Louise L. Hay

14. “You have peace,” the old woman said, “when you make it with yourself.” – Mitch Albom

15. “Self-compassion is key because when we’re able to be gentle with ourselves in the midst of shame, we’re more likely to reach out, connect, and experience empathy.” – Brené Brown

16. “Be kinder to yourself. And then let your kindness flood the world.” – Pema Chodron

17. “Life isn’t about being strong or pretending we are strong to impress others. It takes courage to be authentic with our feelings and acknowledge that real strength comes from recognizing our moments of weakness.”

– Yong Kang Chan

18. “To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

19. “Compassion for ourselves gives rise to the power to transform resentment into forgiveness, hatred into friendliness, and fear into respect for all beings.” – Jack Kornfield

20. “The more you extend kindness to yourself, the more it will become your automatic response to others.” – Wayne Dyer

21. “If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” – Dalai Lama

22. “Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it.” – Brené Brown

23. “Because one believes in oneself, one doesn’t try to convince others. Because one is content with oneself, one doesn’t need others’ approval. Because one accepts oneself, the whole world accepts him or her.” – Lao Tzu

24. “A person experiences life as something separated from the rest – a kind of optical delusion of consciousness. Our task must be to free ourselves from this self-imposed prison, and through compassion, to find the reality of Oneness.” – Albert Einstein

25. “With mindfulness, loving kindness, and self-compassion, we can begin to let go of our expectations about how life and those we love should be.”

– Sharon Salzberg

26. “There is no sense in punishing your future for the mistakes of your past. Forgive yourself, grow from it, and then let it go.” – Melanie Koulouris

27. “Your problem is you’re too busy holding onto your unworthiness.” – Ram Dass

28. “Compassion is not a relationship between the healer and the wounded. It’s a relationship between equals.” – Pema Chodron

29. “Self-compassion is the foundation of a compassionate world.” – Jack Kornfield

30. “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” – Carl Rogers

31. “If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete.” – Jack Kornfield

32. “I don’t have to be perfect. All I have to do is show up and enjoy the messy, imperfect, and beautiful journey of my life.” – Kerry Washington

33. “You are imperfect, you are wired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging.” – Brene Brown

35. “The privilege of a lifetime is being who you are.” – Joseph Campbell

36. “Taking time to relax every day, spending quality time with friends, and practicing mindfulness are some of the tried and tested ways of developing self-compassion.” – Dr. Prem Jagyasi

37. “Self-compassion is like a muscle. The more we practice flexing it, especially when life doesn’t go exactly according to plan (a frequent scenario for most of us), the stronger and more resilient our compassion muscle becomes.” – Sharon Salzberg

Self-Compassion Quotes To Love Yourself More

38. “It’s the beauty within us that makes it possible for us to recognize the beauty around us. The question is not what you look at but what you see.” – Henry David Thoreau 

39. “If you have the ability to love, love yourself first.” – Charles Bukowski

40. “Loving ourselves through the process of owning our story is the bravest thing we’ll ever do.” – Brene Brown

41. “You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” – Buddha

43. “You must love yourself before you love another. By accepting yourself and fully being what you are, your simple presence can make others happy.” – Unknown

44. “We cannot give to others what we deny ourselves.” – Bryant McGill

45. “You are your best thing, and you are enough.” – Maya Angelou

46. “Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.” – Lucille Ball

47. “The most terrifying thing is to accept oneself completely.” – Carl Jung

48. “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.”

– Eleanor Roosevelt 

49. “Self-compassion is the greatest form of self-love.” – Anonymous

50. “You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.” – Unknown

51. “You’re already stuck with yourself for a lifetime. Why not improve this relationship?” – Vironika Tugaleva

52. “The worst loneliness is to not be comfortable with yourself.” – Mark Twain

53. “Only make decisions that support your self-image, self-esteem, and self-worth.” – Oprah Winfrey

54. “I love myself for I am a beloved child of the universe and the universe lovingly takes care of me now.” – Louise Hay

55. “Drop the people who do not value you, respect you. Life has infinite horizons. Accept yourself, love yourself, and move forward.” – Amit Ray

56. “You can’t hate yourself happy, You can’t criticize yourself thin, You can’t shame yourself wealthy. Real change begins with self-love and self care.” – Jessica Ortner

57. “If you do not respect your own wishes, no one else will. You will simply attract people who disrespect you as much as you do.” – Vironika Tugaleva

The Benefits of Using These Self-Compassion Quotes

Use these self-compassion quotes…

• To help you get through difficult times
• As a reminder to practice self-love every day
• To create inner peace and self-acceptance
• To take a moment of self-compassion when you need it most
• When you’re being critical of yourself – then turn this criticism into kindness

Remember this…

The most powerful relationship is the relationship you have with yourself.

This is the basis for everything you do.

What’s Your’ Favourite Self-Compassion Quote?

Share in the comments section below!

Related Self-Compassion & Self-Love Resources:

• 110 Self-Compassion Affirmations To Practice Kindness
• 15 Simple Self-Compassion Exercises
• 125 Beautiful Things To Love About Yourself
• 20 Ways To Start Loving Yourself Again