All blame and criticism stifle the clear, quiet voice within us, the voice of our soul purpose that guides us, like a North Star, to our ultimate destiny. This was written by Michael Tamura.

I have been inspired by M. Tamura since I bought a copy of his book in Singapore in 2008. Although I did this years ago I still feel uncomfortable when I heed his words. At 70, I should have weaned myself from my social conditioning but very old habits are hard to change.

I grew up conditioned to do “an examination of conscience” daily appropriately done before sleeping. Needless to say this practice was exhorted with the rider to be as scrupulously strict on one’s self.

The collateral damage is that I know I have limited myself. I have not ventured joyfully in life as much as I believe I could/would had I not listened to the fatalistic voice of religious guilt.

I was awakened late in life to the damages of guilt when our daughter shared with us the story of a physically challenged Dutch executive in her company. He used the term “Catholic guilt” which since then has moved me to be kinder to myself.