The Blame Game

At a conference recently, I stopped by a booth that offered positive affirmations. I’m a big fan of both positive affirmations and positive self-talk, so when I saw the affirmation cards on the table, I quickly grabbed one. The card I selected, which was created by Louise Hay, was simply titled “There is no blame.” On the other side of the card, there was a quote that read:

“I release the need to blame anyone, including myself. We are all doing the best we can with the understanding, knowledge, and awareness we have.”

Sometimes, when I read something that I know to be true, I have to stop for a second and take a breath. The power and simplicity of those words really spoke to me. Of course, we’re all doing the best we can, I thought. Why have I never realized that before?

We are always so quick to not only judge, but to blame. If you have siblings like I do, then I’m sure you’ve been blaming others since you were a kid. That wasn’t me! I’d often say. That was my brother! But blame extends not only to others, but to our inner selves as well. It can be a reflex to blame ourselves when things go South, but it isn’t healthy or helpful.

When you find yourself focusing only on either your own or someone else’s mistakes, try to change that negative thought process by not playing the blame game. As my positive affirmation card read, everyone is doing the best they can. So, next time you get frustrated with yourself or with others, take a deep breath and remember that there is no blame.

Sadie Hinkel, Program Director for The Kim Foundation

Sadie Hinkel is the Program Director at The Kim Foundation. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in English Education from Morningside University and her Master’s Degree in Writing from Coastal Carolina University. Sadie worked as a high school English teacher for six years, where she realized her passion for advocating for mental health education and awareness. She joined The Kim Foundation in February of 2022 and currently works managing events for the foundation, coordinating volunteer activities, and developing outreach efforts.