As we enter a new year and a new decade, I have a question for you…..
How Self-accepting Are You?
Late 2017, I was still struggling with me. My failures, my moods and the stuff that keeps me complacent and stuck!
But a message at church jolted me from my slumber….
I was reminded that I need to overcome SELF because more often than not, I am my BIGGEST giant.
I stand in my own way!!
I was also reminded to stay true to my talents and passion, know that I was created on purpose, learn to overcome feelings of inadequacies and know what lifts me up and what trips me up.
I have not been the same since!!
What is self-acceptance?
Self-acceptance is your satisfaction or happiness with yourself; it is necessary for good mental health.
Self-acceptance is not about becoming complacent or resigned.
It’s about giving up the habit of constantly judging yourself and adopting a more loving attitude toward yourself.
When you’re self-accepting……..
You understand yourself
You embrace all facets of YOU, not just the positive, more “esteem-able” parts.
You have a realistic awareness of your strengths and weaknesses.
You recognize your weaknesses, limitations, and follies, but this does not keep you from loving YOU.
You have “certified” yourself and validated your “ok-ness.”
Many of us are hesitant to be kind to ourselves because we see it as selfish or undeserved.
So how do you become more self-accepting?
The journey begins with self-examination. It’s important to first understand the reason behind your actions in order to improve or correct them.
Be kind to yourself. Understand that weakness and frailty are part of the human experience.
Let go of guilt. Pardon yourself and cultivate self-compassion. You’ve done the best you possibly could.
Learn to forgive yourself. Past regrets can prevent us from practicing self-acceptance. Forgive yourself, and move on.
Celebrate your strengths. We are much better collectors of our shortcomings than our strengths.
Create a support system. Distance yourself from people who bring you down. Surround yourself with people who accept you and believe in you.
Grieve the loss of unrealized dreams. Reconcile who you are compared to who you idealized yourself to be. Then get back to being the best possible you.
Be intentional. Shift from a world of blame, doubt and shame to a world of acceptance and trust. You can accept and love yourself and still be committed to a lifetime of personal growth.
The worst loneliness you can experience is to not be comfortable with yourself.
So, as we head into this New Year and New Decade, remember this……
It’s only when you stop judging yourself that you can secure a more positive sense of who you are.
You will only get better… emotionally, mentally, physically, spiritually and financially…. when you stop being so hard on yourself.
We are each gifted in a unique and important way. It is our privilege and our adventure to discover our own special light. ~Mary Dunbar
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Until next time…..
Agree or disagree? I love your comments! So please let me know your thoughts in the comment section below.
I look forward to hearing from you!!!
Althea
Helping God’s people realize and achieve their true financial potential, become debt-free, build wealth and give generously!!
PS. Financially, most of us know what to do; we just have trouble doing it. That’s where a coach can help. CONTACT ME for a FREE 15-minute consult.
