How frustrating to think you can be lost to yourself. And yet how often it is that a stranger stares back at you from the mirror. Maybe in truth we never see ourselves as clearly as the thousands of eyes that daily take us in.

The greater self-confidence an individual possesses, the less inclined he is to put down others. This says a lot about those who constantly belittle.

Patience is real self-mastery.

Meanness is a monster that usurps your self-control because you cowardly allow it to conquer you.

You made me laugh at your jokes.
You made me cry at your criticism.
You made me shout at your lies.

Then I noticed how in every case someone else was present,
hearing you without laughter or tears or anger.

I alone reacted.

I see now; you never made me laugh or cry or rage.
I chose to find humor.
I chose to take offense.
I chose to feel scorned.

The truth is, you never had power over me.

When gossip starts, be deaf.