People act as mirrors, revealing our shadows, the things we dislike most about ourselves. I find, for example, that those who are hardest on others are also self-critical. And those who don’t have compassion for their loved one’s negative emotions usually struggle with feeling comfortable with their own. It’s painful to see, but sometimes what drives us crazy about a person, an article, a news story, for example, are our own unresolved issues. They bubble to the surface in the presence of our own hidden truths.

It may be a difficult pill to swallow when a person we despise reflects our own inner weaknesses or unlovable side. But this knowledge brings a tremendous blessing. With the awareness that we’re all struggling (that we’re human just like the guy or girl we can’t stand), we grow compassion for others and ourselves.

I, for one find nuggets of truth about my own life when I read our posts every week. While it’s not always easy to see myself in them, I know that there is a gift in awareness. It’s one gift I wouldn’t return for anything. As you read our posts this week, be open to receiving this gift. By really paying attention and letting the words sink in, you may just find yourself.

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