Sometimes, I hate how I am

[Bernardo de La Paz]

8. That brave kitten made it safer for other kittens by giving the owl something to remember.

The kitten did what needed to be done. (note: the owl let it go)

You did what needed to be done.

Empathy does not suck. But being overly emotional about it does. You can relax the grip of emotions hold on you without losing any empathy. Crying is not equivalent to being empathic. Even so, if you can't help crying, just cry. It's possible to do what needs to be done while crying. However, sometimes even then what needs to be done is pause and just have a full out cry. Do what needs to be done.

Never hate yourself. Never hate. I don't even use the word in that I never say "I hate such-and-such". If I accidentally say that I immediately catch myself and correct myself. Hatred is toxic and self-hatred is most toxic of all. All the same, there are many things I dislike and want to change. Some of them I can control and have an affect on, some not.

Acceptance is the way.

You must accept yourself, even as you strive to do better in whatever endeavors.
You must accept the world, even as you strive to improve it.

Change what you can, accept what you can't change, and seek the wisdom to tell the difference.