We all walk through life convinced we’re ‘right’—doing the right thing, saying the right thing. And when someone questions us or when we, deep down, know we’re acting out of arrogance, spite, greed, or anger, there’s still this voice inside that justifies it. We tell ourselves little stories, run the same loop in our heads, trying to shape the narrative so that somehow, someway, our not-so-noble actions feel justified. We want to get away with it, sneakily or blatantly, all the while knowing—really knowing—that what we did wasn’t right.

There’s always that anchor, that internal compass, that acknowledges when we’re being ‘naughty’ and trying to wriggle out of accountability.

Add another layer: think of those times you’ve been unreasonable—maybe you decided, “Well if I didn’t get what I wanted, I’m not doing this.” Maybe you knew your spite was motivating you, but you went ahead anyway. And then, when a sliver of guilt creeps in, the mind gets to work justifying: “They deserved it,” or “I was just tired,” or whatever story fits best. Eventually, you run the narrative enough times that you almost believe it yourself.

Now, if you agree that you’ve done this before (and who hasn’t?), pause and ask—how easy is it to actually live with yourself? Think: rewind the past week in your mind. Did you wake up moody, snap at someone, act aloof, cut someone off, or just throw a quiet tantrum? Be honest. Now, imagine spending seven straight days with someone exactly like you—your temper, your quirks, your habits. Could you stand it? Would you have the patience for your own moods and justifications?

Flip it: Remember those moments when you found yourself inwardly judging someone—maybe thinking, “How can they be so clueless? So inefficient?” Now imagine your double, your clone, sitting across from you thinking the exact same thing—about you.

How easy would that be? Could you really live with yourself? Is it tougher than you’d like to admit?

Sit with that for a bit. If living with yourself sounds exhausting, maybe it’s time to rethink the stories you tell and the justifications you cling to. Because at the end of the day, you can’t outrun your own company.

Be kind—to yourself and to others. Be real with yourself. The world would be so much easier if we were more patient, if we took a moment to reflect before we act. Showing that patience and kindness isn’t weakness; it’s the bridge to understanding, peace, and living more comfortably in your own skin.