Forgive Yourself

“Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.” ― Ralph Waldo Emerson

This week as I was walking into a grocery store downtown, a homeless man shouted out to me, “Hi!” “Hello,” I replied. He started to ask me a question and before he could get half a sentence in, I said, “Sorry, not today.” I had a million excuses why I wouldn’t let him finish his question. I was in a hurry. I’ve almost never gotten in the door of this store without someone asking me for something. You can probably imagine all of the excuses I could list. He immediately replied, “Oh, ok. But, have a nice day today!” As I exited the grocery store, I saw the man speaking with a police officer. As I walked by, I overheard the man telling the police officer that someone had stolen something from a street vendor. I looked over to see the street vendor looking for the person. And, as he spoke, I realized that the man was mentally handicapped.

Immediately, I felt ashamed. Could I not have let him ask his question? Am I so busy that this person in front of me meant nothing? Who am I? How did I get this way? It bothered me for days.

This year has been difficult for all of us. And, I’m finding that I’m not the best version of myself at all times. So, I just wanted to say to you if you find yourself not being the best version of yourself at some point: me, too. If you feel like you’re not doing your best work or being the most patient parent or taking care of your body as good as you should or being super inspiring or creative or whatever you may be experiencing, forgive yourself. Many of us are struggling. We see you. Take a deep breath and know that tomorrow is indeed a new day.