Hello and welcome back to my blog.

As I mentioned in our last session together, the journey of a psychologist is continuously evolving. While grounded in foundational principles, my approach has shifted over time. Recently, I've become particularly attuned to how my patients talk about themselves, often in self-deprecating or negative ways. Phrases like "I guess I’m not that bad of a person," "Why would anybody want to get to know me?", and "I guess I could be funny sometimes" are all too common, contrasting sharply with more affirmative statements like "I am a good person," "I am likable," or "I am funny."

This observation led me to reflect on my own self-perceptions. Just the other day, I was discussing with a friend my completion of a television episode script I intend to pitch to a literary agent. His excitement for me was met with my tempered response: "Well, I guess that’s one thing I’m good at." After hanging up, I realized I had once again minimized my own achievements. Despite not wanting to appear conceited, it’s essential to acknowledge that I, like everyone, have many strengths—not just script-writing.

This realization is something I strive to impart to my patients: to recognize and own their strengths and accomplishments. I encourage them to monitor how they speak to and about themselves and to make corrections in real time. Being kind to oneself doesn’t equate to narcissism or grandiosity. It’s about taking time to celebrate your unique contributions to the world.

Our lives are filled with burdens we assume unnecessarily, moments when we fail to honor our achievements. These are the celebratory moments that are often lost, minimized, or outright ignored.

So, my challenge to you is this: Over the next month, become more aware of how you talk about yourself. Make a conscious effort to correct any self-deprecation as it happens. Celebrate your victories and see where this heightened self-kindness leads. Let’s make celebrating ourselves a regular habit, not an exception.

I look forward to hearing how this exercise changes your perspective and enriches your life.

Thank you for joining me again, and remember to be as kind to yourself as you would be to others.