In my clinical practice I encourage people to credit themselves and those around them for acting productively and with care, as well as for the genuine concern and thoughtfulness they manifest toward others.
12 Rules for Life, page 61.
Ouch. I have nothing good to say to myself about my day-to-day performance, in the inner monologue. Ever. I’m self-critical to the extreme.
Time to change this. Recognize that I kept going when things were bleak, and raised three happy, productive, healthy children. That’s no insignificant task. Good marriage. I was right long ago when I mused “I could go the distance with her.” (Where did that thought come from? It was those exact words.) I showed up this week when my dad needed me. Things are ok. I’m ok.
Right now I’m sitting on the back patio, reading. It’s early morning. I have a cup of coffee. Gentle traffic noise and the intermittent interruption of a crow’s call.
My life is good. I’m ok.