Why We Need to Give Ourselves Unconditional Grace

If you don’t, who will?

Sandra Pawula
Know Thyself, Heal Thyself

--

Do you find it hard to give yourself grace?

I have for the better part of my life. But last week, I gave myself grace—again and again. This simple self-kindness set me aglow with a healthy sense of pride.

My problem and need for grace began with a severe bout of nausea and abdominal pain. In my case, those symptoms relate to Hereditary Alpha Tryptasemia (HaT), which can cause an unusual type of small intestine inflammation.

I hadn’t had an outrageous flare like the current one since 2009 when I shrunk to 84 pounds. No medical professional could diagnose me at the time—HaT wasn’t officially recognized as a genetic anomaly until 2016.

Suddenly, eating (anything) caused nausea and abdominal pain that lasted all night long.

What did I do? For once, I gave myself grace.

We need to give ourselves unconditional grace

I’ve always been the person who worked constantly, regardless of illness.

A coworker once exploded at me for overworking. I couldn’t metabolize her criticism. My identity and value as a human being were inseparably entwined with my work. I couldn’t stop pushing myself whatever anyone…

--

--

Sandra Pawula
Know Thyself, Heal Thyself

Essays to calm your mind, ease your heart and access your inner wisdom. I love Hawaii, mindfulness, and living with ease. https://sandrapawula.substack.com/