“Because true belonging only happens when we present our authentic, imperfect selves to the world, our sense of belonging can never be greater than our level of self-acceptance.”
-Brené Brown
How do the words above resonate with you?
Pause here for a moment and free yourself from distractions:
Take a deep breath in... exhale slowly... deep breath in... exhale slowly... deep breath in... exhale slowly... calm your mind and be present...
What have you not been willing to accept about yourself? Spend a moment thinking about your answer... dig deep...
We make life difficult by trying to be what we are not... forcing what doesn’t fit... fighting against the things we cannot change...
Fully embracing acceptance can change the game. Your understanding of acceptance makes a difference.
How do you define acceptance? In your own words, what is your personal definition of acceptance..?
acceptance /noun/
the act of taking or receiving something offered. (dictionary.com)
Marelisa Fabrega, the author of the article "How to Practice Acceptance" clearly explains what acceptance is not: (from daringtolivefully.com)
Acceptance is not agreement—you may not agree with what happened, but you accept it, because it’s useless to struggle against what is.
Acceptance is not acquiescence that what happened is just—it’s a fact that there is often injustice in the world.
Acceptance is not weakness—it takes a lot of courage to face reality when it’s not in your favor.
Acceptance is not giving up—it’s realizing your time and effort are best applied elsewhere.
Acceptance is not quitting—it’s shifting your focus and attention from what you cannot change or influence, to what you can.
Acceptance is not resignation—it’s the first step to overcoming any misfortune you experience.
“… if we want our children to love and accept who they are, our job is to love and accept who we are.” -Brené Brown
How has your understanding of acceptance impacted your outlook on life? Take time to reflect...
In the book Until Today: Daily Devotions for Spiritual Growth and Peace of Mind. Iyanla Vanzant presents this powerful perspective:
What is happening or has happened is not of your choice, nor is it of your making.
Stop looking and asking for an explanation. Stop demanding that people do what they have already demonstrated an unwillingness or inability to do.
Accept what has happened and decide what you are going to do about it.
Once you make the decision that honors you, move on!
Create a new habit. Consider practicing acceptance as part of your daily routine.
How to Practice Self Acceptance Every Day. (classpass.com)
1. Nix judgement: Try to avoid thinking of situations as good or bad and simply see them for what they are.
2. Acknowledge always: Practicing acceptance means respecting the process and your current place, and also acknowledging that everything is or can be temporary.
3. Start with self: A positive mind pushes you forward, and when you acknowledge that you’re capable of doing better, any shortcoming begins to matter less. Approach setbacks in a positive way and embrace how they make you feel. Feelings start to change as your understanding of the situation evolves. Learn and prepare yourself better for the next time.
4. Find the good: There is always something to be happy about. Developing the skill to seek out the positive is well within everyone’s ability. The best tool to help you fully accept yourself is the ability to always find a way to be happy and move forward.
“… the curious paradox is that when I accept myself as I am, then I change.”
-Carl Rogers
Today’s Challenge: Practice Self-Acceptance!
(from Iyanla Vanzant's, Until Today...)
Accept what you know and feel to be right for you without trying to convince others that it must be right for them.
It starts with you...
What are you willing to do?
Don’t miss your opportunity! Be intentional, encourage others to do the same and watch what happens.
You got this!
Coach Tavia
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References:
How to Practice Acceptance
How to Practice Self Acceptance Every Day
Vanzant, Iyanla; Until Today: Daily Devotions for Spiritual Growth and Peace of Mind. Atria, New York, NY 2020.
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