When was the last time you were on an airplane? I just spent ten hours flying from Boston to Budapest, Hungary, with a stop over in Switzerland.

I had forgotten how tiny your individual space was in the sky. The airplane seats do not leave much room to get comfortable.

There are also some very specific and strict rules that you must follow. Fascinating that everyone does. Follow the rules, that is. And for the most part, people do stay in their seats for long stretches of time.

I know that my seat should be in the “locked and up-right position upon take-off and landing” …but I was so busy settling in that I forgot to put my seat up.

The flight attendant approached me with a compassionate smile and a gentle reminder that I, indeed, needed to comply with the rule and “please return my seat back to it’s proper position.” She wasn’t mad, or impatient, angry, or scolding and she didn’t wag her finger and tell me that I should have known better.

I consciously avoided the feeling of being embarrassed,thanked her and simply made the adjustment to my seat.

That little exchange sparked an inner conversation with myself. Which part of yourself is not in the up-right and proper position? How often do you scold yourself or shame yourself for something you “should” have known better about?

Learning to Love Your Slim Self offers the gentle reminders to do what is in your best interest. The encouragement is to do it without blame, shame or disappointment. When you realize you have forgotten to love yourself, gently acknowledge what needs to change. Do it with compassion, patience and a smile of forgiveness. Take a deep breath and simply make the adjustment.