Forgiving Your Younger Self

Ever look back at your past and cringe at the choices you made? That harsh inner critic loves to attack your younger self for not knowing better, not doing better, not being stronger. But here's the thing - your past self was doing the best they could with the resources, knowledge, and emotional capacity they had at the time.

This episode explores the difference between self-compassion and "letting yourself off the hook." Learn why forgiveness actually increases accountability rather than decreases it, how to understand your past behavior in context without excusing harm, and why attacking your younger self keeps you stuck in old patterns.

What you'll learn:

• Why self-compassion and accountability work together, not against each other
• How to understand your past choices in context without making excuses
• Why some "flaws" were actually adaptive survival strategies
• How forgiving your past frees energy for growth in the present

This week's practice: Practice compassionate accountability - offer yourself understanding for why something is challenging, then take one small gentle step forward. Also forgive one thing about your past self.

Book Recommendation: "Radical Acceptance" by Tara Brach - A powerful guide to embracing your life with the heart of a Buddha, including accepting and forgiving your imperfect past.

Perfect for anyone carrying shame about past mistakes, struggling with the line between kindness and accountability, or ready to stop fighting with who they used to be.