It’s so easy for us as human beings to judge those people who do, or say things in ways that we disapprove of. So much so, that we become angry or upset with them, often applying labels as we recount those experiences. Those very labels that we apply to others are just one more reason that we tell ourselves that we cannot forgive that person and one more reason why we remain mired in struggle and suffering. Today, stop judging and criticizing yourself and everyone around you-either in small or big ways. Judging others is merely a reflection of the ways in which we judge ourselves. Today begin to learn to stop taking other people’s behavior and choices so personally, and understand that they, just like you and I, are only responding to life based on coping mechanisms that have been built as a result of life experiences. Becoming aware of your own ways of coping, and being gentle with yourself is the beginning of learning how to forgive, it is the beginning of learning how to be free of the past, and free to live in the present moment. Once you learn to love yourself just as the Universe loves you despite your flaws– forgiveness, compassion, and empathy will soon follow with a lot less effort. You and I are perfect exactly as we are, today allow others to be perfect just the way they are and stop criticizing and judging them-and yourself!

Just for today, I am willing to release all patterns of criticism. I no longer judge or criticize myself or others. As I release all criticism, judgemental people leave my life. I accept everyone as the are, including myself. I am good enough and I know everyone is living the best way they know how. I am safe and I love and approve of myself exactly as I am. And so it is.