June 29

”I praise loudly; I blame softly” Catherine the Second

This is certainly a lesson I still need to work on. For too many years I have done the opposite, blamed loudly and praised softly – if at all. I know part of that comes from my family of origin and always feeling like I had to deliver perfection. My faults and my mistakes have always seemed bigger and more prominent than my achievements. I guess in some ways it comes more naturally for me to treat others in the same fashion as a result. This is certainly a defect of character that I will need to work at turning over to my Higher Power. As I gain awareness of my own positive traits and strengths I also need to take the similar steps in treating others better. Especially with my kids, I know too well ho that treatment affected the impressionable child that I was. I am trying to learn not to blame others at all. First and foremost I need to be honest and take responsibility for my own actions. And rather than laying blame I know look to express my feelings about how the actions of others affect me and then seek to forgive them. There is a power and freedom in this new way of living that I could never have imagined.

Affirmation Today I will seek opportunities to praise, and to forgive rather than blame.