Healing Through Self-Compassion: "Of Course"

Apr 21
3 min read

Updated: Jun 11

One of the most powerful spiritual tools I’ve discovered in my Soul Recovery journey is deceptively simple but deeply transformational. It’s the phrase: “Of course.”

When I first started using “of course” in my own healing work, it came through moments of deep reflection. These were moments when I looked back on past choices, painful reactions, or ways I showed up that didn't align with the person I was becoming. Instead of judging myself, something shifted.

I said, “Of course I did that.”

“Of course I felt that way.”

“Of course I reacted—I didn’t know another way yet.”

This gentle phrase became a gateway—a sacred doorway into self-compassion.

What Happens When We Stop Judging Ourselves?

Shame, guilt, and harsh self-talk are among the deepest wounds we carry in recovery. This is especially true for those of us healing from codependency, addiction, people-pleasing, or control. We’re quick to look back and ask, “Why did I stay so long?” or “How could I have been so reactive?”

But the Soul Recovery process asks us to look deeper. ✨ What if, instead of judgment, we offered grace?✨ What if we said, “Of course I did what I did. It was the best I had in that moment.” ✨ And from that place, we began to heal?

The Transformative Power of “Of Course”

This isn't about excusing harmful behavior or using spiritual bypassing to deflect responsibility. Instead, it’s about creating space—space to look at the past honestly while anchoring ourselves in love and compassion.

When you say “of course” with tenderness, you affirm:

That you were trying to survive.
That your choices made sense given what you knew at the time.
That healing doesn’t require punishment—it requires presence.

In spiritual terms, it’s a tool that helps bring fragmented parts of yourself back into wholeness. You’re no longer splintered by self-blame. You’re choosing to remember who you are: worthy, lovable, and enough.

The Importance of Self-Reflection

Self-reflection is essential in this process. We often need to remind ourselves that our past actions were informed by our experiences and levels of awareness. When we offer ourselves grace, we nurture not just our current selves but also honor our journey.

In this supportive environment, healing becomes more attainable.

From Inner Critic to Inner Ally

So many of us carry an inner voice that sounds like judgment and shame, echoing “not enough.” That voice isn’t your soul; it’s a wound. In Soul Recovery, we’re learning to transform that voice into something new.

We can begin changing our narrative to say, “Of course I coped the way I did—until I learned something else.” And then, “Of course I can choose a new way now.” Healing becomes possible when we stop fighting ourselves.

Embracing Change

Transformation often requires us to embrace change, albeit a challenging one. Recognizing that our old coping mechanisms were once necessary can be liberating. Shifting into a new mindset opens doors for growth and healing.

From Breakdown to Breakthrough

In this episode, I share how “of course” connects to the idea of spiritual resurrection—especially during seasons of transformation, like Easter and spring. We often go through personal crucifixions—moments when everything feels like it’s falling apart—before we rise into something greater.

When we soften into self-compassion, that’s where our resurrection begins.

The Power of Compassion

Using compassion as a guiding principle fosters resilience. It encourages you to acknowledge your struggles without being harsh or critical. This is central to the healing process.

Try This Soul Recovery Practice

Take a quiet moment and write down a past action, reaction, or regret that still feels tender. Now, breathe deeply. Place your hand on your heart. And gently say:

“Of course I did that. Of course I felt that way. I was doing the best I could.”

Notice what softens. Notice what shifts. This is Soul Recovery in motion.