There are times when I say some pretty unkind things to myself. I talk to myself about my failures, my inability to get things right, my shortfalls when it comes to parenting, etc. And while I genuinely believe that self-reflection and recognizing places for improvement are essential, I also think many of us take it too far. In fact, like with everything, I guess I have trouble holding a balance in my life. I’m either self-deprecating to the point of shame or entirely ignoring the ways that I have misstepped. Neither makes for great relationships with those around me or with myself.
So what does it look like to take seriously those things we need to improve without sending ourselves into a shame spiral?… If you figure it out, let me know. 🙂
Here’s what I’m trying today:
I’m going to spend some time thinking through how I’ve been off of the mark lately.
And I’m going to spend some time thinking through the ways I feel like I’m in alignment with who I’m called to be.
I’m going to remind myself of what Bryan Stevenson says:
“Each of us is more than the worst thing we’ve ever done.”
And then I’m going to ask God to forgive the ways I’ve misstepped and guide me toward right relationship with the people in my life.
Then I’m going to try again—one step at a time.
In Community,
Sam