“I Am Me” – Self Acceptance
A Boditude Boost
“Everything that you are is enough.”
“BE THE SKINNIEST YOU’VE EVER BEEN!”
“EVERYBODY WILL LOVE YOU IF YOU DO THESE 3 STEPS!”
“CHANGE YOUR BODY & MIND TODAY!”
Welcome to 2019…
Do any of these titles look familiar to you? Have you ever noticed a similar title on a magazine, TV commercial, or billboard? In today’s society, especially through the media, we are constantly exposed to these types of messages. In other words, we are expected to be perfect and if we’re not, we should be using the latest product, method, or trend to change.
As a result of this constant societal message, we subconsciously find ourselves feeling not good enough. We should be skinnier, we should be stronger, we should be funnier, we should be richer and the list goes on and on. When we see someone that exhibits what we don’t have, we compare ourselves and further fuel those feelings of lack.
Acceptance
Now that we’re aware of one of the biggest reasons why we may get into a rut of not feeling happy, strong, or skinny enough, let’s look at what it means to feel the opposite – fully accepting who we are, both inside and out. Accepting ourselves means that we accept our imperfections and flaws while choosing to focus on our strengths and unique qualities. It means that we give ourselves the permission to be human, forgive ourselves for our mistakes, and realize that we are not perfect and don’t have to be. Overall, self-acceptance is the ability to recognize our limitations while unconditionally embracing all facets of who we are.
Accepting ourselves for who we are yields benefits for both ourselves and the people around us. Some of these include…
Compassion and acceptance of yourself and others – You will have an easier time forgiving yourself and will become less judgmental. These emotions will spill onto others and you’ll have an easier time accepting other people.
A peaceful life without resistance – Instead of holding a grudge, you’ll be able to let go easier. Negative emotions, thoughts, and feelings won’t last as long as they once did.
A confident enhancement – You’ll feel like a more confident, authentic, and resilient person. Accepting yourself allows you to just be you rather than trying to please or impress other people.
Okay, but how?
Like anything else, self-acceptance takes practice. It requires a shift in our mindset and a change in our perspective. The more you practice, the better you will become.
In the midst of a downward spiral, try some of these techniques…
Become Aware & Take Notice
Become aware of how and when you are feeling down on yourself, being critical, comparing, etc. Simply recognize this without resisting it. For example, “I am comparing myself right now to _____because____”
Let It Go & Change the Focus
After recognizing your thoughts without resisting them, change your focus to your strengths and unique qualities.
Write down 5 qualities about yourself you do love.
Ask yourself “what if I just decided to love myself right now? What would be different?”
Practice focusing on what you do have rather than what you don’t.
Treat Yourself like You’d Treat a Friend
Practice treating yourself the same way you’d treat your best friend.
For example, imagine your friend was going through your same situation, how would you treat them? What would you say?
Ask yourself, “Am I treating myself fairly right now? How can I treat myself with compassion and kindness right now?”
To fully accept who we are in a world that compels us to change may be the key to the happy life we all desire. Self- acceptance is a journey that leads to a beautiful destination - begin today.