Self-Acceptance Roadmap: Life-Changing Tips/Keys to Happiness
Hey Friends!
One of the most difficult concepts that we struggle with, particularly as women, is Self-acceptance. I've heard the phrase "love yourself" more times than I can count and it’s gotten to the point where I cringe anytime I hear it mentioned. Everywhere I turn, whether it be in songs, Instagram posts, or captions, people are always saying things like "live your life" "let it go" and "love yourself" But the idea of self-acceptance is important, it’s actually key to living a fulfilled life, which sparked my curiosity about what it truly meant and how we could bring it about in a genuine way.
But before we jump into what self acceptance really is, I would admit that of late, I realized the importance of paying attention to my mental and physical health. I’m sure many of you would agree how recognizing one’s mental and physical health issues can lead to the road of self-acceptance. When I look back to when I was in my most hopeless moments in life, I realize that as a result of neglecting my well-being. I started experiencing frequent mood swings, burnouts, and physical illnesses, not realizing how everything was linked. This led me to start seeking answers to my questions and become more aware of not only the interdependence between my mental and physical health but also the power of self-acceptance.
Let’s see what ‘self-acceptance’ actually means:
Self-acceptance is a kind and compassionate relationship with ourselves. It means having a deep understanding of our strengths and limitations, and viewing ourselves objectively without judgment (Anyway there are a lot of people out there to judge us, so don’t waste your time on judging yourself!).
It is about acknowledging our skills, worth, and potential, and feeling a sense of contentment and comfort with who we are, even with all our imperfections and past decisions. It's a warm and loving embrace of yourself, just as you are.
I know all of this might seem complicated and overwhelming, but don't worry! I've got some steps that can make your journey towards self-acceptance a little easier. It’s as easy at A-B-C
Are you ready? Let's get started!
Accept
Let's face it, we all make mistakes and have flaws, it's just a part of being a human. But, that doesn't mean we can't work on improving ourselves. Self-acceptance doesn't mean you're okay with your harmful or unhealthy behaviors, it simply means acknowledging them and being willing to work with them to bring about positive change. It's important to recognize your thoughts, feelings, and pain, and not let them define you. Embrace them, welcome them, and set the intention to accept yourself.
Know that you're amazing just the way you are, and by acknowledging and setting the intention for self-acceptance, you're taking a big step towards growth and healing.
Befriend
Okay, it's time to face things head-on and have an honest conversation with ourselves.
You've recognized your things you want to change in your life, which is a huge step, but now it's time to fully embrace them. We like to use the term “befriend” rather than confront because after all, our “weaknesses” are just a natural part of us. And working with them takes courage and a lot of energy.
Let's talk about the negative, unhealthy, and sometimes even toxic beliefs we've been holding for so long. It doesn't matter how many or how few you have; what matters is that you recognise them. We must be honest with ourselves about our "worst" parts if we want to keep evolving and bettering ourselves.
Do you have any regrets or feelings of shame? What unhealthy benchmarks do you hold yourself to? Try letting go of your ego and embracing vulnerability as a way to navigate these challenging questions. Confirm your commitment to improvement and learning and growing from your errors.
Celebrate Yourself:
Phew! Ok, that’s a lot of work already. Don't forget to take a step back and appreciate all the amazing things about yourself. Recognizing your shortcomings doesn't make you a bad person, it's just part of being human. And, it's okay to acknowledge your flaws too.
Take some time to think about your talents and what makes you special. What do others loe about you? What do you love about yourself? What do you excel at professionally? What unique skills do you possess? Keeping a list of your accomplishments and positive qualities to refer to on tough days is a great way to boost your self-acceptance.
Remember, it's important to confront your challenges and work through them, but don't let them define you. You are so much more than that!
These three steps might sound like much but trust me, the A-B-Cs are going to help you on your self-acceptance journey and could turn the key to happiness. As I always say “let it be simple.”
Self-acceptance is a lifelong journey and it can be challenging at times. But, don't worry, you're not alone! With the support of a life coach and our powerful community of women just like you, you can learn to appreciate and love yourself for who you are. A life coach can help you identify your unique strengths and qualities, and build a positive self-image, while a supportive community will help you feel seen, heard and appreciated for exactly who you are.
They can also guide you in setting healthy boundaries and standing up for yourself in situations that are not beneficial to you. Set up a free conversation with one of our coaches to learn more about Covn and what we do, and to ask any questions you may have about one-on-one coaching, group workshops, or coaching courses. Visit our contact page to schedule your free talk right away.
Remember, self-worth is the belief that you are valuable and deserving of love, respect, and happiness. You are more than your flaws, pasts, traumas, etc and you only deserve love.
XO,
Ghaz.
