Plank in Your Own Eye

When I was younger, I recall having a few conversations with my mom about my friends. More specifically, I remember telling her about my peers whom I hated or was annoyed by (I guess I've always been somewhat of a "hater"). One time, she gave me a piece of advice that I still remember: When you hate somebody or are annoyed by somebody for no reason, look at yourself first and you will see that those characteristics are often reflected in yourself.

Maybe my mother knew that I would grow into an overly introspective, self-loathing, self-centered 22 year old "adult." Because, you know, mothers know everything. Or maybe she herself struggled with and overcame some of these difficulties. Or maybe her words were the inspiration for my self-loathing, self-centered ways.

Regardless, it's impossible to discount the prophetic ways in which my mother's wisdom works. For some reason, whenever I hate (and I use that term loosely - I don't really hate anyone) someone, the source of malice always seems to be something - egocentricity, for example - that I hate about myself. I'm really not sure why this happens. It might be because I obsess so much about my glaring personality flaws that seeing them outside my sphere of control irks me in ways other annoyances don't.

Anyways, I guess what I'm trying to say is that life is tough. Especially if you hate yourself. Your self-loathing will extend itself into your relationships with other people. Get over yourself. Moms are always right.

Good night