The great humanist Erich Fromm said, “The task we must set for ourselves is not to feel secure, but to be able to tolerate insecurity.” One way to accomplish this important endeavor is to treat ourselves as we would a good friend.
When our reserves of self-love are low, we can scarcely meet the gaze of others. A chasm forms, breaking the sense of belonging we desperately need to tolerate the vicissitudes of life.
Shame, regret and guilt are vitality zappers. By practicing self-acceptance, we become rich with emotional reserves. This allows us to recognize goodness in others which, in turn, helps us fulfill our needs for belonging.