It is only by truly learning to love ourselves, to not be afraid of our inner pain, struggles and yes failures that we can allow the process of simply reacting to stop. When we react in a manner that is hurtful to others, they may also develop cycles of behaviors that also bring sorrow and pain into their lives and be past on to others. Not to seek to heal this process is to spread our pain around, but no healing. We are called to a new life, and to die to the old way of life that blocks God’s healing mercy and love.