Written By: Katie Arnold-Ratliff
Published By: SELF Magazine
This article by Katie Arnold-Ratliff is featured in SELF Magazine. Click to read →
Katie’s article, featured in SELF addresses the issue of self-directed anger and its impact on one’s mental health. It explores how people often get stuck ruminating over past mistakes—whether major or minor—and how this internal anger can become a destructive cycle, preventing personal growth. The post discusses how self-directed anger is often illogical, disproportionate, and influenced by external factors, such as others’ opinions or impossible personal standards.
To break free from this cycle, Katie offers several strategies, including self-exploration to identify the root causes, using distractions to stop rumination, resisting the urge to assign blame, and making amends where possible. The key is to focus on moving forward instead of dwelling on past mistakes. Building social support, practicing self-care, and extending self-compassion are emphasized as essential steps for healing and achieving inner peace. The ultimate message is that everyone deserves forgiveness, even from themselves.
