SELF-RESPECT

     Are we able to be our own best friend? Or are we more usually our own worst enemy? Are we crueler and harsher with ourselves than we would ever consider being with other people, and do we feel like that's pretty much what we deserve? Is it the last thing we think of to forgive our mistakes? Do we habitually chastise ourselves and think that we should have known better, we should have done better, and that we should really be better in every way? Do we trust ourselves? Are we able to live life free from guilt? And if not, why not? It's a sad state of affairs if we regularly condemn ourselves, and yet, don't we?
      Just because that's what we do, and what we have always done, doesn't mean it's what we have to continue to do. We can hear ourselves saying that we are un-coordinated, or not-creative, or bad at something, and correct ourselves right there. We can stop belittling our efforts and extend a bit of kindness. We can have compassion for ourselves. Life is hard, after all, and we are really doing our best.
     Let's take a risk and celebrate the wonder of who we are, every day, in every way. Let's be willing to try things and explore our gifts and talents. Let's figure that we're here for a reason and we must have something to contribute, and start contributing. Let's contribute our good nature to those we encounter. Let's improve the quality of someone's day. Let's share a smile and spread a little joy. Let's be kind, be complimentary; let's look for the good in others as well as ourselves. And doing so will get the energy of loving kindness flowing and make us feel good. It's a vicious cycle in the right direction. Let's do it. Let's like ourselves for a change.

I stop belittling myself and creating self-sabotage at every turn. I make an effort to be my own best friend.