“Physician, heal thyself” is not advice only for medical professionals. We all have the capacity to support our own healing, yet we may hinder it through poor nutrition, inadequate exercise or sleep, smoking or excessive drinking. Although the recommended habits are familiar, and excuses come easily, the deeper issue may be a belief that we are not worthy of the time and attention self-care requires.

We may punish ourselves or others for real or imagined failures or past trauma. To heal, we must begin by releasing the emotional burdens accumulated over time, including hatred, shame and anger toward ourselves or others. Letting go can be difficult when it feels like giving the person who caused harm a free pass. In reality, forgiveness frees us by preventing past harm from continuing to damage our lives and relationships. It helps us recognize that we are not powerless victims; we can change the direction of our lives. We may even come to recognize that some of our most difficult life trials were actually life lessons we needed to learn.

• Most importantly, forgive yourself for your role in the situation.

You may need to repeat this practice as memories surface. Over time, it can free your body, mind and spirit to direct their energy toward productive, self-healing purposes. Through the process, you may come to recognize that you are worthy of health, happiness, love and especially self-love. It can be especially helpful to develop a gratitude mindset and practice where we remind ourselves to look for and be thankful for the many simple blessings of which our lives are full. We may then discover that the glass is not only half-full; it is overflowing.