You made a mistake, but it can be fixed.
So why do we believe that we can only grow through self-contempt?
Self-compassion doesn't mean avoiding responsibility.
We can treat ourselves with kindness while still taking steps to improve our behavior.
In fact, when we no longer spend all our energy defending ourselves against our own internal attacks, we have more capacity to learn, adapt, and grow.
Today, each time you notice a self-degrading thought, write it down.
Then separate it into three parts:
What happened?
How do I feel?
What helpful action can I take?
For example:
\"I made a mistake during my presentation.\"
\"I feel embarrassed and upset.\"
\"I can practice the weaker parts and bring notes with me next time.\"
This approach transforms self-blame into personal responsibility.
The inner critic won't disappear overnight.
But we can gradually reduce its power.
We can learn that not every thought spoken loudly in our minds is necessarily the truth.
Healthy growth begins the moment we acknowledge our mistakes without humiliating the human being behind them.
Thank you, dear friends, for being with us today.
","author_name":"Aramesh Ajami"}