Compassion is misunderstood and unfairly linked to weakness, particularly for men.
Throughout history, men have been socialised to display qualities like toughness and dominance.
Pushing aside traits that may expose them as being vulnerable or empathetic, like compassion.
But compassion isn't about being a pushover or about comprising our values.
It is about being courageous enough to put yourself in someone else's shoes, see their perspective and offer to make a difference.
Knowing that you have the ability to help someone and contribute a helping hand isn't corny, it's a sign of strength.
You can't pour from an empty cup.
To get to a place where we can cultivate compassion easily, we need to start with ourselves.
If we want to be able to foster empathy and compassion for others then playing the victim, beating ourselves up and negative self-talk won't help us get there.
We need to be our own caretakers and give ourselves a break once in a while.
Self-compassion is not selfish, it's a non-negotiable.
Once we can fill our own cup, we can start to extend that compassion.
Becoming stewards equipped with empathy, support and kindness that can start to ripple outward into the world.
