St. Francis de Sales on self-love

[Bailey2]

“Self-love, then, is one of the sources of our disturbance; the other is the importance we give ourselves.  Why is it that when we happen to commit some imperfection or sin, we are so surprised, upset, and impatient?  Without doubt, it is because we thought we were something special, resolute, and steady, and therefore, when we discover that in reality we are nothing of the kind and have fallen flat on our face, we are disappointed, and consequently we are vexed, offended, and upset.  If we really knew ourselves well, instead of being astonished at finding ourselves on the ground, we would marvel that we ever manage to remain standing up.”  St. Frances de Sales

[Shin]

This is making me think of Bl. Giles of Assisi, one of St. Francis's companions.

'Let me lie on the ground, for if I do not rise, I shall not be able to fall!'

Bl. Giles of Assisi

[Brigid]

Oh boy! So true.