Reflections and practical insights on self-compassion, stress, and navigating change.
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The Nuance of Self-Compassion
Self-compassion sounds simple: three components, straightforward in theory. Here’s why it’s harder in practice, and what to do when it backfires. Read more
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What Self-Compassion Actually Does for a Coaching Practice
Self-compassion, at its simplest, is treating yourself the way you’d treat a good friend who was struggling — with patience and understanding instead of the harsher, more critical voice most of us default to. That’s… Read more
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The Case for Self-Compassion Training — for Coaches
For coaches who recommend self-compassion to clients and want to go deeper themselves. As health and wellness coaches, many of us understand the value of self-compassion. It is explicitly included in the NBHWC Content Outline… Read more
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A Seasonal Check-In: What Matters Now?
A short seasonal reflection on priorities, values, and the small shifts that can bring you into greater alignment with what matters now. Read more
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Compassion for the Long Haul
Many of us are moving back and forth between engagement and the need to rest. This piece reflects on oscillation, self-compassion, and how we can replenish on purpose—without guilt. Read more
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The Knowing–Doing Gap: Why Insight Isn’t Enough
Many thoughtful people understand themselves well—yet change can still feel harder than expected. This post explores the knowing–doing gap and how insight becomes lived change through experience. Read more
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When Stress Starts to Feel Like a Personal Failure
Many people don’t just feel stressed — they feel bad about being stressed. A difficult feeling shows up: uncertainty, frustration, disappointment.And almost immediately, another response follows: I shouldn’t feel this way.I should be handling this… Read more
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Listening to Discomfort: Insights for Inner Clarity
When we pause to listen to discomfort, insight and clarity often emerge. A reflection on self-trust and inner wisdom. Read more
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The Courage to Take the Lane
At various times in my life, I’ve been much more comfortable on the edges—squeezing myself around others’ needs and staying quiet to avoid discomfort. But just like in cycling, the margins aren’t always safe. Taking… Read more
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Why Joy Matters—Especially Now
In times of uncertainty, stress, or heartbreak, joy and appreciation can feel like distant luxuries—or even indulgent. When there’s so much suffering in the world and in our own lives, how can we possibly make… Read more
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I’m Heather Shaughnessy-Cato, NBC-HWC and a Certified Mindful Self-Compassion Teacher with a master’s degree in counseling.
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