Imagine not forgiving yourself for not forgiving yourself

Evil is the moment I lack the strength to be true to the good that compels me. (Alain Badiou)

Everytime I read Badiou's definition, I feel deeply moved - and convicted. At least according to this definition, there is evil in every one of us. Even if it might not be my intention to do harm, the moment I lack the strength to the good I know I ought to do, evil has taken hold of me. And yet, the strength to do good doesn't grow from endlessly cataloguing my failures. As I explored in my last mini essay, I believe that there are few things as powerful as living your life from a place of radical self-acceptance and self-forgiveness. From such a place, with the self-resentment and excessive guilt removed, something opens up - a quieter healthier way to grow. "I am not perfect. I have my flaws and I know them well - but I forgive myself." Try saying that out loud, or maybe just whisper it to yourself right now. Experience how that feels in your body - that feeling of deep okayness. If you took some time in introspection and meditation and still haven't been able to fully accept yourself, don't beat yourself up about it - instead, try to do the following: forgive yourself for not being able to fully forgive yourself.