Embracing our mistakes is a form of growth.

In the Writing for wellbeing course that I facilitate for Brecon and District Mind, I am struck by how many of us find it so difficult to appreciate and respect ourselves.

Have you been driven into the ground by your pursuit of perfection?

Do you fear that one day you’re going to be ‘found out’?

Do you feel that if you stopped working so hard to succeed in everything that you do, others will discover that you’re not as good as people think you are?

Whilst running my ‘Writing for Wellbeing’ courses, I’ve noticed how difficult most people find it to focus on what they are proud of in their lives.

When I send my Xmas and New Year cards I have a tradition of writing a wellbeing poem and including it as a gift to my dear friends, family and neighbours.

Crossing the threshold into a new year can bring with it a lot of expectations.

A harsh inner critic, which some call the ‘Dictator’, tends to just harp on.

No. this isn’t an advert for ‘Frozen’ and I can hear you singing that song!

As many wise people have said – in order to be part of the creation of a culture of goodness and wellbeing in the world – where people care for themselves and each other - we can try to focus our individual energies on seeing the potential for goodness in everyone.

I am proud of my achievements. I believe in celebrating them

I often wonder how we would be in the world if we could accept things just as they are, right now in this moment.

I’ve been through a period recently when my projections have been harbingers of doom.

I’m continuing the theme from last week about accepting what happens just as it is, because I think this is such an important area.

Today I need a refresher course on acceptance of my life, just as it is.

This week I’m focusing on the important aspect of recovery from the long term effects of CSA (childhood sexual abuse) trauma, which in my case involved speaking out and being heard.

I have become a woman with a mission.

I’ve just faced a big fear in my life and given my first talk about my book ‘Wearing Red – One Woman’s Journey to Sanity.’

One of my favourite meditation practices, called ‘Tonglen’ focuses on awakening compassion within ourselves. It helps in developing compassion and learning how to apply it in everyday life. A form of taking in and sending out.

In my experience comparing ourselves with others damages our health and well-being.

The simple yet difficult act of acceptance is an essential requirement for change to take place.