Hello Possum.

I don't think you are a hypocrite. I think you are at a certain stage of your learning. I am 'guilty' of exactly what you do.

I am a teacher of children. When children learn a new concept or 'rule' or 'guideline', they are not at first able to apply it to themselves. Teachers, parents and other children will first see a child apply that rule to others, even while 'breaking' the same rule themselves. For example... if two children are given a treat, one may drop the rubbish on the ground even at the same moment as observing the other child do the same and exclaiming "You have to put that in the trash can!"

They are not being hypocritical, even though it appears that way. They are learning to assimiate new information (trash goes in the can) and can not yet consistently apply it. Applying a new concept, especially when it involves changing behviours, often takes the longest to consistently apply to the self.

I think we adults may be the same in this regard. We are learning new knowledge, new concepts, and part of that learning process is being able to see how they might apply in real life situations, such as with others. Learning to apply those new skills to ourselves will come, with time.

Personally I think it's completely okay to 'balls up' from time to time, even at the same time as being able to offer and remind others of exactly the same skills we are trying to learn ourselves.

From my pov it's all part of the learning / growing / healing process.

(and the challenge I now give to myself is to be able to apply THIS post to myself when I next 'slip up'!)