Feeling Sorry for Yourself?

What good does feeling sorry for yourself do? Fr. Mike points out a hard truth in saying—while you have the right to grieve when tragic things happen in your life—you never have the right, or permission, to feel sorry for yourself. All it does is shrink the universe down to the size of you. It blocks out the blessings God gave you that you should be thankful for, and paralyzes you from joyfully giving to others. When you feel the temptation to feel sorry for yourself coming on, in the words of St. Paul, Fr. Mike recommends:

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful” (Colossians 3:15).

Quote from G.I. Jane:

“I never saw a wild thing sorry for itself. A bird will fall frozen dead from a bough without ever having felt sorry for itself” (Viggo Mortensen as Master Chief John James Urgayle in G.I. Jane, original quote from D.H. Lawrence, 20th century English writer).

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[honeymama]

I needed to hear this. I’ve been feeling so sorry for myself after my son, my first, died in labor last year. My heart is still so broken. There is still so much trauma that keeps me up at night. But I was letting my sorrow turn inward and it was turning to bitterness and anger and jealousy of others who have their children. It’s not right for me to live in self pity. It doesn’t help me either and it doesn’t do anything for my son. It only makes people like me less. The only thing that helps at all is focusing on Jesus.

[dmc]

It is a form of pride. Whenever I feel self pity or even self loathing due to low self esteem, I ask God to help me be humble. Praying the Litany of Humility has helped me a lot with this.

[ocrodger]

I have Parkinson's disease. Diagnosed 3 years ago. Talk about difficult life. I sure wish I could deal with this better than I am. And yes I pray everyday. Some of those prayers are to have God take me home.

[everyday]

I will not feel sorry for myself. I will thank him for my cross and let his glory shine through me. Amen.

[bryanvaught]

I love your lectures. I'm going to become Catholic! You ate a beautiful man. Thank you Father

[jefffresh]

Fr. Mike is like . . . the best big brother for us!
3 Hail Marys on Fr. Mike's behalf.

[liviamoraes]

Father, I can see, by the way that you look into the camera, how much you care for us. Thank you.

[alimariehere]

Amen!!! Anyone who is stuck in the “victim role” is not moving forward or helping any situation get better. Absolutely!

[saraabdallah]

Feelings are not right or wrong. We are allowed to feel anything, but we should remind ourselves of what is true. My strengths, weaknesses, failures, successes, the abuse I may have gone through... doesn't define me. I'm a beloved child of God and God is with me always. He will see me through anything. Those are the realities that we should keep in mind. 'Pick up your mat and walk.'

[adrianhollow]

I am at present going through some health issues that involve rather severe pain. I needed to hear this so badly. One of the things that comforts me about being Catholic is the idea that our suffering is not without purpose and can be used to draw us closer to Christ and even to help others. THANK YOU for the gentle reminder.

[sackettsnodgrass]

Thank you, Father Mike! I definitely needed this today. I was just feeling sorry for myself for the situation I am in, and I got the notification for your video. It made me smile. Thank you, and God Bless!

[ronaldmoore]

When I start to feel sorry for myself I just take a look around me. Most people have it a lot tougher than I do. I am so grateful for my life.

[ChandaInutu]

This could not have come at a better time! I spent all weekend crying my eyes out, wallowing in self-pity. Not exactly what one likes to hear when you're going through difficult times, but EXACTLY what I NEEDED to hear. Thank you Fr. Mike!

[CheekyKleurling]

I feel hurt and saddened by different circumstances that may occur but I refuse to feel sorry for myself, I will not complain and bellyache. Will I be happy about it? No, but life goes on. Please pray for me 🙏😇💓✝️🔥🕊️🇻🇦

[StudioGMinistry]

Blessed are those who are poor in spirit

[Publius-]

Hail Mary full of grace the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou amongst women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus. Holy Mary mother of God pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

[kerwintorregrosa]

Thanks Father... I do not have permission to feel sorry

[roseleneazevedo]

"As a Catholic you don't have the right or permission for feeling sorry for yourself."
Super! Wonderful! I Thanks. Thanks thanks all the way from Brazil.

[danielh]

I hope you, whoever you are, whatever you do in life are treating yourself as well and as fair as you possibly can, now life can sometimes be stressful can sometimes be difficult, treat yourself with kindness and remember if you ever need help, its always out there.

[joaquim]

I needed this right now! Thank you Fr.Mike