Mindful Minion

I’ve spent so much time thinking about forgiving others and letting go of the past. But I’ve rarely stopped to ask myself: Have I learned to forgive myself?

When I look at myself, I don’t want to see only my flaws and mistakes. I want to see the good in me, too. The kindness I’ve given, the people I’ve helped, the love I’ve shared, and the battles I’ve fought quietly, when no one knew how hard things were.

I’ve been through things, too. I’ve carried pain, survived disappointments, and healed wounds that no one else could see. And despite everything, I’ve kept going.

I want to be proud of the person I’ve been, not just critical of the person I’m still becoming.

I don’t have to be perfect to deserve love and forgiveness. The people I care about aren’t perfect, and I don’t love them because they are. So why should I hold myself to a different standard?

I’ve made mistakes. I’ve hurt people, sometimes without meaning to. I can acknowledge that, make amends, and learn to do better while still treating myself with tenderness.

I can wish I had done better without denying how hard I’ve tried.

If I can be patient with others, I can be patient with myself. If I can forgive their imperfections, I can learn to forgive my own.

I want to give myself the warmth I’ve so freely offered the world. To celebrate my growth, honor my efforts, and hold the parts of me that are still hurting with kindness.

I know what I’ve survived. I know how hard I’ve tried. I don’t need to wait for someone else to recognize these things before I allow myself to feel proud.

I can be my own source of comfort, not just my own judge.

I, too, deserve tenderness. I, too, deserve patience. I, too, deserve forgiveness.

Perhaps forgiveness begins when I stop waiting to become perfect before offering myself the love I deserve.

I am worthy of my own compassion and forgiveness, exactly as I am, even as I continue to grow.