forgiving

I watched a YouTube video that hit me right in the self-criticism. A neuropsychologist was chatting with a guest who admitted he’d carried around a silent rage for years—until therapy gave him a mirror. The well known guest was explaining to the neuropsychologist how he had been filled with an inner rage for as long as he could remember. He finally sought professional help to deal with his rage. He shared the strategy he received from therapy and said it worked for him. The strategy went something like this: Every time you get angry with yourself, stop and pretend you are angry with someone you know. Record the conversation with the other person as it happens on your phone. The guest discovered that he was much kinder to the person than he was with himself. Over time he became kinder and more compassionate with himself. The only person we can change is ourselves. Be kind, be compassionate, be forgiving to yourself and you’ll see the world with new eyes.