Reflection
The spiritual life requires that we think enough of ourselves to believe we can serve others without putting ourselves above them. Oftentimes, we are our own worst enemies. We commit acts of sabotage by doubting our own competence. We close off avenues that could lead to personal growth. We put ourselves down. Aiming for perfection, we are not satisfied with anything we do. The ideal is to live with both our strengths and our weaknesses and to find and express our authentic selves.
Adapted from Spirituality and Practice
Prayer
May I have both pride and humility.
Action
Be confident that you are able to achieve whatever is expected of you. Embrace your gifts. Admit to what needs to be improved without discouragement.
Suggested Reading
I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Philippians 4:13
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.
Gautama Buddha
You are imperfect, permanently and inevitably flawed. And you are beautiful.
Amy Bloom
Often, it’s not about becoming a new person, but becoming the person you were meant to be, and already are, but don’t know how to be.
Heath L. Buckmaster
Friendship with oneself is all important, because without it one cannot be friends with anyone else in the world.
Eleanor Roosevelt
It’s not worth our while to let our imperfections disturb us always.
Henry David Thoreau
You’re always with yourself, so you might as well enjoy the company.
Diane Von Furstenberg
You have been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn’t worked. Try accepting yourself and see what happens.
Louise L. Hays