Today let’s talk about being gentle with myself.
Have you ever felt like you’re too tough on yourself?
It often seemed like I was doing that – nothing I ever did measured up, and I would focus on the strikeout I had in the softball game, rather than the 3 hits and the great catch I made in the outfield. I learned that behavior as a child. When I had a great game, my Dad would point out that my throw to the second baseman had been late, and the runner moved ahead an extra base. I had to unlearn that behavior as an adult. I had to learn to be gentle in measuring my performance, like I could do for others, but hadn’t been able to do for myself. When I learned to accept the strikeout and be thrilled about the great catch, boy did life get more fun!
Have you ever struggled to be gentle with yourself?
Photo Credit
The Microsoft Office Clip Art Collection
Dan L. Hays offers encouragement for adult children of alcoholics.
The podcasts of these episodes can be found at: Minute to Freedom
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Recent Dan L. Hays Articles:
- Faith Comes Through Doubting
- Exploring The Artist's Way
- When Is It Time To Move On?
- Minute to Freedom #100: I Can't Remember
- Minute to Freedom #99: I Won't Be Like Him
Thanks, Dan. I certainly relate to many of your “minutes.” The scars from growing up in an alcoholic family are so familiar, and they run deep.
You’re quite welcome, Racquel! If you grew up like we did, it all resonates, doesn’t it? Yes, the scars familiar and deep – well said! Sometimes I say “I may heal the wounds, but I’ll always have the scars.” I know things from my growing up years – things I’d rather not know or be aware of.
Thanks for stopping by to comment!
Dan