Are there any potential ways we can get this wrong?

There are two main pitfalls. The first is that you may slip into old habits of being critical towards yourself. It takes time and practice to form a new relationship with yourself, so if this happens, instead of berating yourself, congratulate yourself on catching the old habit and reconnect with your loving voice.

The second pitfall is that you may encounter people in your life who are critical and make you question your worth, and this can be even more difficult if these are people who you have intimate relations with, friends or work colleagues. If this is persistent it can erode your sense of worth over time.

Remind yourself that you are a person who deserves love, no matter what others say. Your own inner loving voice has your interests at heart and it is there to help you with these difficult relationships. Think about your support network and whether you can reach out to others who want the best for you. This may help you to maintain that loving connection with yourself and find ways to deal with external critics.

How do you personally do your One Good Thing?

In my own life, I can be a hard-working perfectionist, and this can lead to stress. When I notice I’m feeling stressed I ask myself: ‘What is the most loving thing I can say or do right now?’ Sometimes this leads to me taking a break, asking for help, going for a walk or accepting I have done enough. It reminds me to factor in enjoyment, fun and relaxation.

One Good Thing: why you need to speak to yourself in a loving way (and how to start doing it)