Making Amends to Ourselves
 

Making Amends to Ourselves

Mark 11:25 - “…If you hold anything against anyone, forgive him…”

For years I put myself in an impossible position trying to be perfect all the time. I silently shamed myself; expected too much; crushed creativity; robbed myself of nourishment, fun, sleep, and relaxation; while trying to please others and do everything right. I let anger turn to resentment, stuffed it down and became depressed. I wronged myself, others and God in the process.

One morning during my recovery from burnout I realized that one person I most needed to forgive was myself. I wrote in my journal: “I’ve harmed you, Joan. I’m sorry. It’s okay for you to nurture yourself and become the person God wants you to be. I’ll try to be kinder and more forgiving now.” It is not self-indulging to be gentle and tolerant with ourselves. God wants us to have compassionate hearts toward all people, ourselves included. Forgiveness is freeing.

Lord, do I need to forgive myself?

Joan C. Webb

A friend once shared with me, "I made an amend to myself by walking into the rooms of recovery."

No one hurt me more than me and had to forgive myself.

Amend isn't saying I am sorry. It is changing and not doing it again. Just for today, I choose not to abuse myself or others.