It Starts with Self-Compassion: A Practical Road Map

Written by Celeste Headlee

Narrated by Celeste Headlee

When you hear the term “self-compassion,” you might immediately think of the word “nice,” or think that it’s a feeling reserved for the saintly and tenderhearted… that the rest of us are simply too busy to bother showing others any sort of kindness, let alone showing it to ourselves. But what if you found that was a misconception, and that compassion — especially for oneself — isn’t “nice,” but tough and resilient and even badass? And what if cultivating that “tough” self-compassion isn’t a fruitless endeavor at all, and could actually provide you with proven, long-term emotional benefits?

In It Starts with Self-Compassion, Celeste Headlee, award-winning journalist and host of the hit 2015 Tedx Talk “10 ways to have a better conversation,” lays out the case for turning inward and extending empathy and understanding to ourselves, while providing us with ways to recognize and acknowledge our thoughts and behavior without judgement. Blending her signature empathy with extensive, carefully curated research from positive psychology, neuropsychiatry, sociology, and other disciplines, Headlee offers a comprehensive examination of self-compassion and how it can improve your emotional well-being, as well as distinguish it from related notions like self-love or self-acceptance, all while centering her discussion around its three key components: mindfulness, a sense of connection to all of humanity, and kindness.

But Headlee’s approach isn’t just theoretical. In addition to defining and breaking down psychological concepts, this Scribd Original is packed with evidence-based exercises to help you assess your current level of self-compassion and give it a boost through journaling and “mind-training” practices like meditation and internal dialogues.

This new work from Headlee is a crucially insightful read for all personal growth fans. It offers a fresh perspective on thinking about how we can be better to ourselves, and is as practical and scientifically rigorous as it is emotionally enlightening and accessible.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Everand Originals
• Release date: May 16, 2023
• ISBN: 9781094461793

Celeste Headlee

Celeste Headlee is an internationally recognized journalist and radio host, professional speaker and author of bestselling book We Need To Talk: How To Have Conversations That Matter, and Do Nothing: How to Break Away from Overworking, Overdoing, and Underliving. Her latest is Speaking of Race: Why Everyone Needs to Talk About Racism and How to Do It. Her TEDx Talk, 10 Ways to Have a Better Conversation, has been viewed over 26 million times. In her 20-year career in public radio, Celeste has been the Executive Producer of On Second Thought at Georgia Public Broadcasting and anchored programs including Tell Me More, Talk of the Nation, Here and Now, All Things Considered, and Weekend Edition. She also served as co-host of the national morning news show, The Takeaway, from PRI and WNYC, and anchored presidential coverage in 2012 for PBS World Channel. Celeste is a regular guest host on NPR and American Public Media. She is the host of Newsweek’s “Debate” podcast, and hosts a podcast for the National Gallery of Art called “Sound Thoughts on Art.” She is also the host of “Women Amplified,” a podcast from the Conferences for Women, the largest network of women’s conferences in the nation, drawing more than 50,000 people to its annual events. Celeste is also the president and CEO of Headway DEI, a non-profit that works to bring racial justice and equity to journalism and media through targeted training and interventions. She is the granddaughter of composer William Grant Still, known as the Dean of Black American Composers and she is a trained operatic soprano. She lives in the DC area with her rescue dog, Samus.

Reviews for It Starts with Self-Compassion

[Hani Brombach Scott Boeck · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Self explanatory, yet so easy to forget that we should treat ourselves as we treat others! Good reinforcement for life...

[Neeya Lutarruq · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

As I am in search of definitions of things such as "compassion", "unconditional love" etc. at the moment to calm my intellect down, this book appeared in good timing. Celeste explains what compassion is and isn't and helps you to believe that it's okay to be a flawed human. I would recommend this book to someone on a path to self acceptance.

[graham.monet · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Well written, easy to follow along. Gave great exercise examples that I feel I could easily include into my life schedule.

[Jay Alvarez · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

definitely a recommendation for anyone who is upset about where the are in life. Who may need to realize that they can always change their perspectives to improve their peace.

[Kavitha Vijeandran · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book has many valuable insights on building self compassion… I really needed it

[lincolnrestler · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Very insightful guide to be compationate with one's self. Worth listening to it.

[Devi Sambamoorthy · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

A very insightful audiobook that provided a new perspective of being self compassionate. Highly recommend it

[Kristina Godau · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It has good practical advice and I gained new insights.

[Shawan Mason · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Practical advice that's useful. I highly recommend to others for sure.

[Amparo Shanor · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The author explain the subject about self compassion in away I never dream about. Thank you for making it simple and deep at the same time. Great conclusion and references. I definitely will order this book.

[Cath Brown · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

First 3 seconds great, then it turns into a completely different book. Computer says no!

[Jane Hylton-Phoenix · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Thank you for this. It has been audiobook such as this that have helped me through some of the most difficult times. They remove the barriers to helpful materials I have needed

[sean anthony · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

It was okay not very practical a lot of fluff

[Maggie Huffman · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I'm a coach and I work with people on many types of goals. It is almost universal that my clients talk to themselves horribly, in a way they wouldn't speak to another human. This book is now going to be one of my first recommendations. It is highly readable (or listenable). It thoroughly addresses the pervasive myths of the benefits of tough love and all the offshoots. The steps/tools/exercises in the last chapters - the roadmap - are highly practical and effective. I'm so happy to have this resource to share...and of course to use for myself!!

[Hilary Fuller · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

ASTOUNDING!!
No mere “self-help” book, this “DIY manual” is essential reading for every member of the human race who’s ever been hard on themselves, especially those who are regularly kind to others.
(*Caution: I recommend that readers avoid looking up Ms. Headlee’s qualifications - which are spectacular and many -, lest they become discouraged before they’ve begun listening/reading!)