Self-compassion: Be Kind to Yourself Instead of Striving for Bullshit Self-esteem

by Faith G. Harper

For decades, the U.S. has been obsessed with "self-esteem" or rather with our lack of it. But self-esteem isn't actually that great, and getting all puffed up about yourself isn't exactly a recipe for the good life. How about self-compassion instead? Microcosm Publishing bestseller Dr. Faith explains the difference between the two and offers some helpful exercises in developing more compassion for yourself. It's actually very different, she explains, than letting yourself off the hook for your bullshit. It's more helpful to accept that you're human so that you can learn and grow rather than push aside your problems or wallow in your mistakes. Also, kindness to yourself helps you be more kind to other people as well. Everyone wins!

Genres: Self Help, Psychology, Personal Development, Nonfiction

Paperback

Published November 6, 2020

About the author

Faith G. Harper, PhD, LPC-S, ACS, ACN is a bad-ass, funny lady with a PhD. She’s a licensed professional counselor, board supervisor, certified sexologist, and applied clinical nutritionist with a private practice and consulting business in San Antonio, TX. She has been an adjunct professor and a TEDx presenter, and proudly identifies as a woman of color and uppity intersectional feminist. She is the author of the book Unf*ck Your Brain and many other popular zines and books on subjects such as anxiety, depression, and grief. She is available as a public speaker and for corporate and clinical trainings.

Reviews

[Eli Poteet · Rating 5 out of 5]

i have appreciated everything i have read from this creator, faith harpers pov has really helped me along my path the last handful of years. this title is no exception although i feel compelled to distinguish this issue from all the others ive read. i feel as though this is the softest set of messages ever- her vulgarity is still present but it is nestled within a super soft message of- you guessed it- self compassion. i love how gentle she presents her findings in this self help volume. i am supremely touched by this slim jim zine and honestly it felt like a delight to witness the deconstruction of "self esteem" traps and placement of constructs that align with my own perspective.

[Gabrielle Morse · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice little anecdote to her other series of self help books. It’s my second read from her and I appreciate the honest dialogue she writes with. It has nice additional recommendations to continue that’s topic she starts.

[Dymphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this book Dr. Harper discusses what self-esteem is and how we can be more compassionate towards ourselves. Questions between the texts help to reflect on where the reader stands and how the reader can improve their self-compassion.

[Murgatroyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read, short and to the point. Some new ideas and some old.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely worth the read and worth implementing.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent concise description of self-compassion. The zine includes exercises and suggestions for further reading. Great tools and insights.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know me, I'm a sløt for these books.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is very short, but has truly helped me move forward in life. I definitely recommend for reading to heal self.

[Blue Braun · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute and informative in an approachable way!