We all have ideas of how to be.We talk about them to others whenever we have a chance.We believe in them and we help others with them.Yet how often do we find that we don't follow these ideas ourselves?It's human, of course.We don't always walk the talk.That's okay.As long as we reflect on the times we don't.Look at why we didn't practice what we preach.Perhaps it was just an isolated incident.Or is it part of a larger pattern?How often do we not listen to our own advice?Is it a once in while occurrence or something more regular?Maybe there is something in that particular instance that is a trigger?Is there a clue in there about something deeper?Maybe a childhood trauma?Maybe something more recent?We all have triggers and traumas.That's normal and human.Yet the more we can be aware of them, the less they control us.Self-reflection is the key to growth.Self-examination is one of our most important tools.When we step out of integrity it is a sign to do both.As we walk along our path we strive to become more and more in integrity.Beating ourselves up along the way does not help.It is a corrective path, and one where we can all learn to be more gentle with ourselves.Forgiveness is not just for others.It is also for ourselves.The more we forgive ourselves, the more we can learn to embody the very ideas we strive to promote in the world.

~ Sam Liebowitz, The Conscious Consultant