A lot of the work we do on ourselves revolves around actions and results. We want different results, and experts and guidance point us to the actions we can take to achieve them.

On one of these mornings when I was consumed with self-doubt, self-blame and shame, I wrote some notes to myself on how to be with this. On how not to give up on projects when I most want to give up; how not to question myself, when I am full of self-doubt. To achieve happiness, avoid pain. To avoid pain, be with pain.