“Hey you… yes you. Be kind to yourself today… even when you make mistakes… even when imposter syndrome hits… even when you feel overwhelmed… Ok? Ok.”
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...
A friend sent this to me this morning as a reminder that triggered thoughts about acceptance, specifically “self-acceptance.”
What is self-acceptance?
By definition:
self-acceptance /noun/
the act or state of understanding and recognizing one's own abilities and limitations. (merriam-webster.com)
Self-acceptance is a practice that includes reframing negative thoughts and practicing personal values. It's a skill you can practice and strengthen over time. (psychologytoday.com)
"The hardest Challenge is to be yourself in a world where everyone
is trying to make you somebody else."
Cultivating Unconditional Self-Acceptance
By Jennifer Caspari Ph.D March 2, 2024 psychologytoday.com
1.Talk to yourself as you would a loved one. Practice self-compassion. Talk to yourself in a caring and kind voice and offer words of comfort, understanding, grace, and affection. I
2. Forgive yourself. Remember, hindsight is 20/20, acknowledge your emotions and identify what you learned from the situation. Then, say to yourself compassionately and genuinely, "You are human. I forgive you."
3. Notice "should" thoughts and let them go. Practice noticing thoughts you have about how you should be different and letting these thoughts come and go without giving them deliberate focus or attention.
4. Be there for yourself. practice acknowledging how you are feeling and offer yourself some comfort and compassion.
5. Remember your values. Remind yourself what is truly important to you, and let your values guide your behaviors.
6. Repeat self-acceptance statements:
I am enough.
I am worthy as is.
I accept myself as I am.
I am perfectly imperfect.
I am human.
"The truth is: Belonging starts with self-acceptance. Your level of belonging, in fact, can never be greater than your level of self-acceptance, because believing that you're enough is what gives you the courage to be authentic, vulnerable and imperfect."
-Brene Brown
Gay Hendricks shares these two questions to think about:
Why is your commitment to honesty, to agreement-keeping, to acceptance of yourself and others, so loaded for those around you?
What is one way in which you can reassure this person that your journey of change is of you and for 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
References:
Caspari, Jennifer Ph.D, Cultivating Unconditional Self-Acceptance | Psychology Today, March 2, 2024
Hendricks, Gay; A year of Living Consciously: 365 Daily Inspirations for Creating a Life of Passion and Purpose. Harper One, New York, NY 1998.
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