You are free if you will only believe it. Open up your heart. This is the beginning of wisdom. When you love yourself, you then extend love to others. You never heard Jesus beat Himself up, or say unkind words about Himself. When others were unkind to Him, He was silent. When they mocked His teachings, He asked them questions. He allowed them to figure out what they needed to do. Everyone needs that freedom to “figure out”. Otherwise no real interior transformation can take place. Forcing doesn’t work. Gentleness with yourself gives others the freedom and permission to be gentle with themselves. In turn, the gentleness is reflected back to the world.