Harsh, self-directed criticism may cause you to feel depressed today. You may be judging yourself negatively because you feel distressed or anxious or because you've had a recent failure. If you are hindered by irrational and self-defeating thoughts, you may find that you have difficulty focusing on your obligations and are unable to enjoy yourself. You can help yourself regain your positive outlook by considering how you would treat a loved one who was in a similar situation. By making a conscious effort to give yourself the same love, support, forgiveness, and patience that you would offer a friend, you will likely feel upbeat and optimistic. Today can be a wonderful time to give yourself a gift or indulge in a soul-nurturing pastime.

Treating yourself with the same kindness and patience with which you treat others can help you avoid engaging in self-defeating behavior that can distract you from your goals. While it can be difficult to dispel negative thoughts, doing so opens up a world of opportunity available only to those individuals who eschew self-judgments. When you are thinking positively, you can view your future plans as very real possibilities instead of pipe dreams. Your ability to give yourself support will help you attain a greater sense of self-assurance that moves you to aim ever higher. Treating yourself lovingly today will allow you to move beyond critical behavior and into a realm of focused peace.