To know myself is to enjoy the freedom of being myself. Without this freedom, I have lived in bondage to trying to be someone I’m not. Trying to be someone else is a heavy load – nothing compares to the lightness I feel when I am “me.” With this freedom comes the liberty to make mistakes with no fear of punishment or repercussion. I have the grace to watch without judgment. My punishing opinions were the source of my fears. I feared my own self punishment more than anything else. As I practice acceptance and forgiveness I find the freedom of movement that is essential to all true progress. I know now that I will never change if I fear the actions I take.