Befriending Yourself

Befriending Yourself

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July 2025

The Quiet Power: Why Self-Compassion Equals Strength
“Self-compassion is the foundation of courage. It allows us to see ourselves clearly and act anyway.” — Kristin Neff
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Heron Payne
Self-Compassion for Parents
Parenting can awaken our deepest love. And our oldest wounds. What happens when we meet ourselves with compassion in those messy moments?
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Heron Payne
2
The Inner Critic’s Origin Story, Part III: A Kinder Way Forward
Why that inner judgemental voice is trying to protect you, and how to respond with curiosity instead of fear.
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Heron Payne
The Inner Critic’s Origin Story, Part II: How the Inner Critic Learns Its Voice
Tracing the roots of the inner critic to early connection, confusion, and the need to belong.
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Heron Payne
The Inner Critic’s Origin Story, Part I
On why we feel shame so deeply, and what evolution and neuroscience reveal about its roots.
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Heron Payne
2

June 2025

Self-Compassion Can Help Us Keep Climbing
How softening self-judgment can build endurance, cultivate inner strength, and help us reach our peak in a more sustainable way.
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Heron Payne
How to Ride the Wave: A Self-Compassionate Approach to Big Feelings
What brain science reveals about emotions—and how self-compassion helps us ride the wave instead of getting pulled under.
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Heron Payne
Meet Self-Compassion: Self-Esteem's Older, Wiser Sibling
Why chasing self-esteem can keep us stuck—and how practicing self-compassion can help build forward momentum.
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Heron Payne
2
Welcome to Befriending Yourself
My new Substack newsletter is all about stories, tools, and perspectives that are helping me and others on our collective journey towards unshakeable…
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Heron Payne
© 2025 Heron Payne
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