When I struggle with self-doubt, the appropriate response is self-care.

I can defer the doubt with the promise of self-appraisal later, when the doubt has subsided (which it always does) and any self-appraisal, therefore, can be clearer, cleaner.

How to care for myself?

Step One: Keep a short list of simple, potential self-indulgences (take myself out for dinner; go back to bed for an hour; buy a pack of my favorite pens).

Step Two: Use the list.

Text and image © 2011 by Dirk deVries. All rights reserved.