A Moment to Face Myself

A Moment to Face Myself
Inner Stillness, Quiet Courage

Today, a time to look within rather than at the world.

At dawn, a sudden rainstorm poured out its emotions and disappeared, leaving only its traces behind. The damp earth, the trees, and the blades of grass held the memory of its passing. Breathing in the cool, fresh air beneath the blue sky, I prepared to step outside — washed my face, applied sunscreen generously, and placed a hat and sunglasses in my bag.

I walked toward the small lake in my neighborhood. I looked up at the wide sky, felt the breeze brush past my cheeks, and welcomed the soft sunlight warming my skin. Greeting the grass, the trees, and even the fading flowers, I slowly filled my lungs with air.
Inhale, exhale… I am enough.
Yesterday is gone, tomorrow has not yet arrived — so today, I choose to look inward, not outward.
It’s okay to not be OK.

This moment of choosing to look "inward, not outward" and declaring "I am enough" is the foundation of **Self-Compassion** and **Mindful Non-Striving**. In psychology, non-striving is the intentional practice of letting go of the need to change the present moment or constantly "fix" oneself or a situation. When you affirm that "It's okay to not be okay," you are engaging in **Radical Acceptance**, freeing yourself from the constant judgment and internal pressure that often drives anxiety. This acceptance is not passive resignation, but an active choice to find peace in the moment as it is, which is often the most effective starting point for any true, lasting change.

As I continued walking, I heard a familiar voice singing from afar — a young man in the neighborhood with special needs. My heart warmed immediately.
You’re outside again today. You’re healthy. Thank you. I hope you are happy.

Yes, let’s be happy — as vast as the sky, as grounded as the earth.

To the beloved ones who have hurt me: I still wish for your happiness. May you be free from me, and may I be free from you. May we both live lightly. Please, be happy. The willingness to forgive those who have caused pain, even if not expressed directly, is recognized in psychology as a powerful tool for **self-healing and emotional liberation**. By deliberately wishing happiness for those who hurt you, you engage in **Cognitive Restructuring**, fundamentally shifting the narrative from victimhood to peace. This act is less about the other person and entirely about **releasing the toxic emotional bond** that ties your current well-being to a past injury. As the text states, seeking mutual freedom ("May you be free from me, and may I be free from you") is the ultimate, selfless act of self-compassion, allowing both parties—especially the self—to "live lightly."
And today, I know I will be happy too.

A tiny light bulb reflecting the sky and clouds — a miniature world mirroring inner stillness.
Another Tiny World · © Jaclyn Bae
A dandelion blooming from a felled tree stump — resilience, survival, and letting go.
We root, live well, and let go · © Jaclyn Bae


🌿 Inner Journey Series

A reflective trilogy on self-acceptance, emotional freedom, and quiet courage.

#InnerJourney #LifeEssays #Mindfulness #JaclynBae

© 2025 Jaclyn Bae. All rights reserved.

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