Self-forgiveness will keep you from hurting yourself more by bathing you in the lotion of loving kindness, but it will also increase your compassion for others. It's been my experience with clients that those who are the harshest on themselves also hold others to impossible standards. The ropes of judgement that imprison us with unrealistic expectations also keep us from embracing other human beings. When we practice forgiveness of our own foibles and failings, we cultivate the capacity to do the same for those around us who need our loving care. We expand the capacity of our hearts. So when you blow it, as you most likely will, please forgive yourself and move on. As William Durant counsels, "Forget past mistakes. Forget failures. Forget everything except what you are going to do now." You'll be growing your soul as well as your capacity to change this particular way of being.