There are Tzaddikim who are very sensitive not to hear a drop of Lashon Hara, and if a person talking to them makes the slightest lapse in his speech, they will immediately say: “Stop! It’s Lashon Hara!” They are 100% right. Lashon Hara is poison. And so, so many of us need to stop ourselves, as we habitually think negative thoughts about ourselves, and to yell internally: “Stop! You’re speaking Lashon Hara about yourself!”
You’d be shocked if you knew how much power words have on you, including your own brain-chatter. We need only to try to improve, and to have more positive thoughts about ourselves. The more we accomplish, the more Simcha we have. As usual, you have no Chiyuv to make yourself crazy; just try your best. And you’ll get plenty Schar for this Avoda Chashuva.
