People have an uncanny ability to view life through their own individual lenses. We can act selfishly and yet justify our actions by proclaiming that we needed a break. We can be rude but view our behavior as merely being honest. We look out for ourselves, but we see it as caring about the greater good. We are dishonest but explain we were simply following commonly accepted practices. We hurt someone but console ourselves in the knowledge that we meant well or that we were misunderstood. We make a mistake but blame others. Nothing is our fault! We have an explanation for everything!
Of course we are not as generous in evaluating the behaviors of others. When others fail, we don’t believe they meant well or gave their best. When they hurt our feelings, we assume they are malicious at heart. While we expect others to forgive us, we are less inclined to extend pardons toward others.
Because we so easily deceive ourselves, we must rely on counselors who know us and who understand the truth of our situation. We need someone who will cut through all of the lies we tell ourselves and make us confront the truth. This isn’t easy and it doesn’t come naturally. But it is the pathway to wisdom. While living in a dream world where we are always the hero can be fun for a while, it is not reality. It is only an illusion. So find someone who will tell you how things really are, and then listen to what they say!