We learn to apologize to others, yet rarely speak to ourselves with the same honesty.

We learn to apologize to others, yet rarely speak to ourselves with the same honesty. We may spend years blaming ourselves for a choice or lost time. Say, “I acted with the knowledge and strength I had then.” This is not an excuse; it is an attempt to see the whole picture. You deserve the gentleness you would give someone you love. Punishing yourself cannot change the past, but you can treat today’s self differently.