Have patience with all things, but, first of all with yourself

Have patience with all things, but, first of all with yourself

Saint Francis de Sales, a 16th-century bishop and Doctor of the Church, is known for his teachings on patience and gentleness. One of his most famous quotes is, “Have patience with all things, but, first of all with yourself.” This simple yet profound statement encapsulates the essence of Saint Francis de Sales’ teachings on self-compassion and self-care.

In a world that often demands perfection and instant gratification, it can be easy to be hard on ourselves when we fall short of our own expectations. We may beat ourselves up for making mistakes, for not achieving our goals as quickly as we would like, or for not living up to the standards set by others. However, Saint Francis de Sales reminds us that patience is a virtue, and that we must first learn to be patient with ourselves before we can extend that patience to others.

Self-compassion is an important aspect of mental and emotional well-being. When we are kind and gentle with ourselves, we are better able to cope with the challenges and setbacks that life throws our way. Instead of berating ourselves for our perceived failures, we can learn to treat ourselves with the same kindness and understanding that we would offer to a friend in need.

Practicing patience with ourselves also allows us to cultivate a sense of inner peace and contentment. When we are constantly striving for perfection and pushing ourselves to meet impossible standards, we are never truly satisfied with ourselves or our accomplishments. By learning to be patient with ourselves, we can let go of the need to constantly prove ourselves and instead focus on being present in the moment and appreciating ourselves for who we are.