Before You Criticize Yourself, Think About This | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Before You Criticize Yourself, Think About This

We are our own worst critics, and that needs to stop.

51
Before You Criticize Yourself, Think About This
Gainesville Scene

Start with forgiveness.

Humans are in no shape or form perfect. We make mistakes. We have all done things that we aren’t proud of. Everybody has a chapter they don’t read aloud. Be humble to see your mistakes, courageous enough to admit them and wise to correct them.

Forgiveness is not always easy; at times, it feels more painful than the wound we suffered to forgive yourself. And yet, there is no peace without forgiveness. I think that if God forgives us, we must forgive ourselves. Otherwise, it is almost like setting up ourselves as a higher tribunal than Him.

Accept what you can’t change.

Stop thinking that you are going to get closure. Quit telling yourself that you will get an apology. You have to let it go because if you don’t, it will consume you. The more you hold onto the past and the things you can’t control, the unhappier you will be.

The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide that you are not going to stay where you are. See things for what it is, not what you want it to be. You can’t lose what you never had, you can’t keep what’s not yours and you can’t hold on to something that doesn’t want to stay. If you can change an aspect of you life, go and change it, but you’ll go crazy trying to control something that can’t be changed.

Remember your worth.

You aren’t just of value just because someone loves you. You don’t lack value when someone rejects you. Quit being overly critical of yourself. You are beautifully flawed. It’s easy to feel uncared for when people aren’t able to communicate and connect with you in the way you need. And it’s so hard not to internalize that silence as a reflection of your worth. But the truth is that the way other people operate is not about you.

Despite what you feel, you are not too much. You are not too sensitive or too needy. You are thoughtful and empathetic. You are compassionate and kind. And, with or without anyone’s acknowledgement, you are enough.

Love who loves you.

I know that there are people in your life, who would do anything for you if you asked. Use them as a template for how everyone else should treat you and don’t you dare lower that standard. Don’t be afraid to be the one who loves the most.

I believe that God put us on this earth to do one simple task. LOVE. He wants us to love one another. God loves us so much! So love your neighbor, love the stranger you met in line, love the stray cat. You deserve to be loved by others, but you also deserve to be loved by yourself.

Life is going to be OK.

It’s time to just be happy. Being sad, angry and overthinking isn’t worth it anymore. Just let things flow. Be positive. You are under no obligation to be the same person you were a year, month or even 15 minutes ago. You have the right to grow. You deserve to be happy. So just do it, be happy! Everything will work out. It will all be OK.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Entertainment

Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

These powerful lyrics remind us how much good is inside each of us and that sometimes we are too blinded by our imperfections to see the other side of the coin, to see all of that good.

612018
Every Girl Needs To Listen To 'She Used To Be Mine' By Sara Bareilles

The song was sent to me late in the middle of the night. I was still awake enough to plug in my headphones and listen to it immediately. I always did this when my best friend sent me songs, never wasting a moment. She had sent a message with this one too, telling me it reminded her so much of both of us and what we have each been through in the past couple of months.

Keep Reading... Show less

What's your sign? It's one of the first questions some of us are asked when approached by someone in a bar, at a party or even when having lunch with some of our friends. Astrology, for centuries, has been one of the largest phenomenons out there. There's a reason why many magazines and newspapers have a horoscope page, and there's also a reason why almost every bookstore or library has a section dedicated completely to astrology. Many of us could just be curious about why some of us act differently than others and whom we will get along with best, and others may just want to see if their sign does, in fact, match their personality.

Keep Reading... Show less
Entertainment

20 Song Lyrics To Put A Spring Into Your Instagram Captions

"On an island in the sun, We'll be playing and having fun"

503380
Photo by Spencer Imbrock on Unsplash

Whenever I post a picture to Instagram, it takes me so long to come up with a caption. I want to be funny, clever, cute and direct all at the same time. It can be frustrating! So I just look for some online. I really like to find a song lyric that goes with my picture, I just feel like it gives the picture a certain vibe.

Here's a list of song lyrics that can go with any picture you want to post!

Keep Reading... Show less
Relationships

The Importance Of Being A Good Person

An open letter to the good-hearted people.

771777
WP content

Being a good person does not depend on your religion or status in life, your race or skin color, political views or culture. It depends on how good you treat others.

We are all born to do something great. Whether that be to grow up and become a doctor and save the lives of thousands of people, run a marathon, win the Noble Peace Prize, or be the greatest mother or father for your own future children one day. Regardless, we are all born with a purpose. But in between birth and death lies a path that life paves for us; a path that we must fill with something that gives our lives meaning.

Keep Reading... Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments