We tend to be so critical of ourselves {especially women}, continually beating ourselves up over the decisions we have made, the outcomes that we aren’t happy with, and the things we didn’t do or did incorrectly.  We are after all our biggest critics, right?  As children we are taught to forgive others, that we should always try to “forgive and forget”.  Accept that those around us make mistakes, but that they are only human so we should try to forgive them.  But what about ourselves…why is it so difficult to forgive ourselves sometimes?  How do we learn to recognize that we are also human and that we are going to make mistakes in life?

Its sometimes hard to see that we are being critical of ourselves, almost as if it becomes such a habit that we don’t even realize what we are thinking about ourselves.  Re-living the mistakes we have made and the ways that we have failed ourselves or our loved ones seems like a natural part of our lives.  It is entirely possible to spend a lifetime blaming ourselves for all of the things that have happened, regretting the decisions that we’ve made, and thinking that it is normal to feel responsible for all of the outcomes without even realizing it.

So my challenge to you {and to me} today is to try a little self forgiveness.  Try to forgive yourself as you forgive others around you.  Recognize that you are only human and that you will make mistakes {big and small} but those mistakes don’t need to define you or your life.  Try to look back and recognize the lessons that you learned thru each of those mistakes, shake it off and move on.  Take the time to be proud of all you have accomplished and be optimistic about things you will accomplish in your future.

The most amazing thing you can do for yourself…is to forgive.

Namaste

~Jillian

* This message was inspired from a visit with my most favorite Acupuncturist – Dr. Sun!

** Still waiting to hear from Robin Knutson, the winner of our GoodBelly giveaway.  Robin…if you are out there today is the LAST day to claim your prize.  If we don’t hear from Robin we will select a new winner and announce it tomorrow!  Stay tuned!