Kasey, wonderful essay…good luck on your journey! When I was having your same attitude about myself a dear therapist said treat yourself like you treat your friends (I’ve never called any of them a worthless piece of💩when they make a mistake:) ha! But that was my mantra. He also said surround yourself with people who love you. So I’m kinder to myself and stay clear of toxic people or those who I can tell won’t like me. That was over 25 years ago…I’ve never looked back. You’re a very cool writer…I’m guessing you’re a very cool person too! 😎