Although

judge nicely.

Being hard on the self
Is completely unhealthy
When it serves as a detriment
To your personal growth
To such a degree that even the smallest task
May feel like an arduous nightmare
Similar to the way it feels, upon awakening

With cold sweats dripping

Although...

Being hard on the self
Is completely healthy
When you choose to see self criticism
As a compass which serves as a guide

To gravitate your actions towards
Challenging the mind, body, and soul
And going to bed most nights
With the prospect of a promising tomorrow

the challenge

         

  lies within the balance.

Reviews

[wordman]

good advice and great phil,so be nice to your self and theres always tomorrow

[Ees]

Great points made with this poem. And you are right, the challenge and the answer is always in the balance of all things really. Nice work and nice thoughts. I enjoyed reading and think on the matter. Without being a little hard on yourself you'll never get better, but being too hard can make it too difficult to accomplish anything.

Nice work!

[Rita L. Sev]

Ah yes - balance is key in all things. You are so right, Nebunova. A well constructed parallel piece.

[redzone]

can add nothing that other poets have already expressed, thoughtful poem. one thought as reading was to approach criticism, or self criticism as not our or someones personal worth, but as the ideas and way of thinking. this way it is easier to make changes in ourselves and in others. --redzone

[Pryde Foltz]

Very, very well said. The trick is in keeping the balance.

[Lourisa]

A very clever poem, Nebunova. I agree that "the challenge lies within the balance." Great work.

[Leigh]

Very wise words, to judge when to do what is the trick....

[ron]

This is very true. I like how you showed both sides to Being hard on the self.

[Tam Warink]

A self-enlightened nanographic expose is a delight to everyone that fancies themselves as their own worst critic. You have captured a facet of this, Nebunova. We read, we benefit, we grow. Thank you for sharing.

[Mr.Boffin]

wise words....good read...thanks for sharing! :)