April 21, 2025

Self-Compassion: A Bridge from Sadness to Inner Joy

Kristine Ochu
Empowerment Expert

Sometimes, it feels like the world has tilted off its axis and spins you into sadness.  

Maybe your heart aches from a breakup…
You’re grieving someone you loved deeply…
You find out through social media that your friends hung out without you…

Or maybe life just flipped the script…
You’re moving unexpectedly.
You’ve received a scary health diagnosis.
You didn’t get the promotion.

Whether it’s big grief or one of life’s daily gut punches—sadness can sneak in. 

It’s real. It shows up in your mind and body. It’s not healthy to push it down, judge it or pretend everything is fine. Sadness has a sneaky way of showing up when and where we don’t want it

Give your sadness kindness and self-compassion. Cry if needed. Slow down. Treat yourself with the same love you’d give your best friend.

You can say, “It’s okay to feel this. This is difficult, but I’m strong. This feeling will pass.” 

Here’s the truth: Life isn’t one emotion at a time.
Joy and sadness can live side by side. 

You can feel sad and grateful.
Heartbroken and hopeful.

Sometimes we lose someone we love…
And hours later, a new baby is born into the family.

That’s the wild, beautiful mix of being human.

However, if  things get heavy, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a trusted friend, a support group, or a therapist. Having a lifeline is important. 

I know from my own tough times when I was deep in grief, and a local counselor helped me to heal. It was wonderful but she wasn’t available 24/7. I also needed simple, powerful tools I could use anytime, anywhere.

Self-compassion became my bridge from sadness to inner joy. Joy doesn’t mean “everything’s perfect.” It’s an inner sense of peace that can live with sadness.

Here’s a loving, self-compassionate tool to use “on the spot” whenever you need it. 

“Just Take One More Step” Toward Joy with Self-compassion:

  1. Pause. Take a slow breath. Let your muscles relax and your shoulders drop.
  2. Feel. Notice where the sadness is in your body. No judgment—just send it love.
  3. Hug. Cross your arms over your chest like a hug. Close your eyes and whisper, “I love you.”
  4. Touch. Place your palms on your cheeks. Feel that warmth and reassurance.
  5. Soothe. Gently rub your arms and legs. Let your touch say what words can’t.
  6. Affirm. Smile softly. Rest your hands over your heart and say, “I am loved. I am feeling joy.”

You don’t have to bounce back overnight.
You don’t need to have it all figured out.

But you can empower yourself to take “Just One More Step” toward inner joy, even in the middle of sadness.

Much love,
Kristine Ochu