We often have a friend who comes to us because she feels like she failed. She is coming down on herself, and we are there holding her hand and telling her that all those things are not true, and then we proceed to tell her all the wonderful things about herself.

How wonderful is that? It’s wonderful that we are there for each other and picking each other up when we fall. But are we as good to ourselves? How kind are you to yourself? Are you treating yourself like you do your best friends, or are you mean to yourself?

At this very moment, you may be saying to yourself that you have any number of admirable qualities. You are a loyal friend, a caring person, someone who is smart, dependable, fun to be around. That’s wonderful, and I’m happy for you, but let me ask you this: are you being any of those things to yourself? –Phillip C. McGraw

If we want to be our own best friend, we need to….

Stop the negative self-talk. Stop beating yourself up over past failures or mistakes. You are not your past. Stop echoing the voices that have hurt you over the years. You are not the problem. They are. Don’t ever echo their voices in your head again. You wouldn’t treat your best friend that way, so do not ever do it to yourself. Treat yourself with the same kindness and the same encouraging words that you would offer to your very best friend. Love yourself, encourage yourself, pick yourself up and dust yourself off when you fall, and most of all love yourself.

Be your own best friend.