The Road to Acceptance

I found this on the Natural Therapy pages and it resonated with me, and felt that it may also resonate with many others

When I was a teenager, all I wanted to be was taller, thinner, smarter, funnier, blonder, smoother and lovelier. Now that I’m an adult, I accept most of my flaws and like myself a whole lot more. But like so many people, I’m still working on the idea of absolutely, unquestionably accepting myself. This article looks at the importance of self-acceptance and how to learn to like yourself.

On the Road to Self-Acceptance

There’s a great quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson: “To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else, is the greatest accomplishment.”

The world continues to show us images and depictions of the ‘perfect’ person. As a result, we all strive to become something we’re not. There is no perfect person, despite what the world tells us. All we can strive to be is the best version of ourselves.

Be Positive

You might be a great cook, a strong swimmer or someone who makes others laugh. Whatever it is, you have a set of strengths that make you unique. When you start focusing on the wonderful things you can offer the world, and take the attention off your weaknesses, you’ll be galloping down the road to self-acceptance.

Banish Negative Thinking

We’ve all had those moments when we’ve thought, “Why can’t I be good at x, like that person?” or “I can’t believe I made that mistake; what’s wrong with me?”

While it’s OK to be in a bad mood every now and then, continuously indulging in negative self-talk only takes you further from your goals and can really hamper your overall happiness and wellbeing.

To conquer negative thinking, replace every bad thought with a positive one. Write a list of positive affirmations that you can repeat when you’re feeling low.

Don’t Worry, Be Happy

Worrying about the future creates fear, which may prevent you from enjoying a fulfilling life. When you’re busy worrying about what may or may not happen, you miss out on the moment. Realise that the power to alter a situation is in your hands. Then, take steps to change the outcome or, if it’s out of your hands, let it be. Chances are – the thing you’re worrying about will never happen!

Do Your Best

When you wake up, tell yourself that you’re going to try your best. As you go about your day, do things that make you happy and proud to be you. If you have a slip-up, acknowledge it and forgive yourself. By shifting your thinking, you may be surprised by how the world changes around you, and the opportunities that present themselves.