The journey of self-acceptance can be long and sometimes daunting. And you can spend a lifetime trying to figure out who you are and accepting that person. Though there are lessons to be learned within each journey, it’s easy to forget that self-acceptance is a key component to loving yourself.
The saying, “The ocean does not apologize for its depth, and the mountains do not seek forgiveness for the space they take, and so, neither shall I” is a plea to every reader to accept all of themselves without apology.
Being proud of who you are holds significant weight in being the happiest version of yourself. In this post, we’re going to talk about the what self-acceptance is, why it’s important and how you can begin to accept yourself more.
What is Self-Acceptance?
Miriam-Webster’s dictionary states that self-acceptance is the act or state of accepting oneself. It further states that it is the act or state of understanding and recognizing one’s abilities and limitations. These definitions mean the ability to accept everything about oneself, whether it be positive or negative, and placing value in yourself aside from your attributes or actions.
Why is Self-Acceptance Important?
Accepting who you are is extremely important to your self-confidence and having a lack of it can affect your everyday life. Think about it. If you’re constantly second-guessing and analyzing how you look, why you said something or feeling down about your overall being, it can prevent you from reaching your full potential.
So, if you’re having trouble accepting yourself fully, you can start by beginning to understand yourself on every level without judgment. We all have light and dark inside us and we all have a purpose here.
Here are some ways you can begin to fully accept yourself:
1. Forgive yourself. The first step on the path to self-acceptance is forgiveness. You must forgive yourself for all of your past actions that bear weight. In doing so, you’re personally taking responsibility for the things you’ve done that you might not be proud of in your life. And this can open up a portal for positive change.
2. Be honest with yourself. Sometimes, brutal honesty, especially with yourself, can be the best medicine. Get used to calling yourself out and seeing your reality for what it is. If you need to make changes in your life, know that you can change the road you’re on at any point. Though this is not easy, practicing honesty with yourself will hold you accountable and set you up for success in practicing self-acceptance.
3. Be one with your mistakes. Admitting your mistakes is crucial for self-acceptance. You can’t resolve issues if you refuse to see them. So, take all the energy you use to deny and put it towards admission. Remember, mistakes are experience and experience helps us grow.
Although accepting yourself can be a difficult journey, the benefits from going through it will be abundant. We’re all looking to lead happier, more fulfilling lives. And accepting ourselves wholly is the first step to greener pastures.
