Tree Climbing

From the Bonefire Tarot, the Four of Pentacles:

When I was a child and things weren't going well at home, I'd climb a huge southern magnolia tree in our yard. From the top of its branches I would hug the tree trunk, feeling more secure and grounded even though I swayed with the breeze. So I can relate to this fellow in his tree, feeling unbalanced and out of sorts. Unexpected expenses, time crunches or health issues can make me feel that way too. But in his tree are apples, coins and a ring, telling me that there is no evidence for his worries. Perhaps he will see all his resources when the sun rises. Then he can find the keys and unlock the truth for himself. But he shouldn't feel badly for needing to hang on to that tree trunk to get him through the night.

From the MentorSpirit deck comes "Kindness:"

"It's not your job to like me - it's mine." ~ Byron Katie

I remember growing up and hearing that I should be kind to others, but I missed the message that I needed to apply it to myself. I am my own worst critic, and I hold myself up to impossible standards that I would never set for anyone else. Yet when I practice self-care and self-forgiveness, I have a much deeper well to draw from when I reach out to others.