Are you in a long-distance relationship?
Being in a long-distance relationship can bring a lot of challenges, confusion, insecurity, and pain. Not only have I supported many clients in long-distance relationships, but I also speak from my personal experience. The separation, the wait, and uncertainty that comes with this type of relationship can really have its toll on the way you feel. But If I knew what I know now, my life would have been much easier when I was in a long-distance relationship myself! The tool I have discovered is called the “self-compassion break” and it has proven to be the best long-distance relationship advice so far!
The hardest part of being in a long-distance relationship is managing your emotions and expectations that can feel really overwhelming. I used to want to simply run away from my feelings and shut down all the intense emotions I was feeling at the time when I had to say goodbye to my partner again, for a long period of time.
The self-compassion break
What I have now discovered and recommended to my clients is the practice called “self-compassion break”. This simple yet powerful three-step practice will teach you how to connect with your emotions and most importantly how not to judge them and give yourself some self-compassion when you are in a long-distance relationship.
The three steps are: 1) Label how you’re feeling; 2) Remind yourself it’s normal to feel this way and you’re not alone; 3) Say something kind and encouraging to yourself.
The power that lies in these simple three steps is not to be underestimated. The more you practice, the better connected to your inner world you will become and you will start living with more awareness. In turn, more awareness will bring more patience, love, and peace into your everyday life.
Watch the video below to fully understand how this works and start practicing! A long-distance relationship doesn’t always have to be so challenging. There is a way to handle them with joy and peace. And remember, as saying by A. A. Milne goes: “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard”.
