The most difficult times for many of us are the ones we give ourselves.

Pema Chödrön, an American Buddhist nun who teaches in the Tibetan tradition, is known for her teachings on mindfulness and compassion. This quote comes from her book “When Things Fall Apart,” wherein she explains that while real challenges exist, much of our suffering comes from the stories we tell ourselves — our worries, fears, and self-criticism. Once we learn to recognize how we’re adding to our own struggle, we can begin responding differently. In everyday life, this means approaching problems with curiosity instead of judgment, easing anxiety, and creating room for patience, resilience, and more self-compassion.