When I was young, I didn’t understand the importance of self-acceptance on one’s self-esteem. In today’s society, with all of the comparisons, preconceived notions, and prejudices, we need to teach our children to love themselves. You are enough. Your skin color, genetics, body type, and ancestry – make you unique and beautiful. Own it. We are all working on this in my household. When your child talks down to themself, stop and remind them that they are everything they need to be. Rewrite the narrative.
Letting Go of Control
Accepting that I can’t control or live my children’s lives for them was difficult. The doubt, the struggles, the mistakes, and the journey are theirs to experience. I can guide them, teach them, and support them. In the end, I have to accept that they are individuals and this life is theirs to live. Letting go also means accepting them and believing in them so they can build a solid foundation on which to grow.
Embracing Change
Midlife often comes with significant changes, whether it’s in career, relationships, or personal identity. Change is a natural part of life and accepting oneself amidst these transitions is a process. I’m letting my gray hair come in. I have the laugh lines, the wrinkles in my forehead, and sometimes a stiffness when I walk. I’m over fifty and I own it. I wish I could say that I am twenty with the wisdom of a fifty-year-old but unfortunately, that’s not quite how life works. As I age, I realize that the importance of self-acceptance is vital for my psychological well-being.
Self-compassion
Alongside self-acceptance, self-compassion is crucial. Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, especially when facing challenges or setbacks. There were certain past mistakes that I have carried with me through life. Instead of forgiving myself or chalking bad decisions up to youth, I harshly judged myself. Holding onto pain and your mistakes are traps of your own making. I’ve allowed the past to replay in my head over and over. What’s done is done and the key or secret in life is to learn from those mistakes and become a better version of yourself. I accept the past and am trying to live in the present.
Appreciating My Health and Accepting Predispositions
Accepting that my health cannot be taken for granted. We are all predisposed to certain conditions. I have a predisposition for high blood pressure and diabetes. I work hard to keep those conditions at bay. There are some days when I first get out of bed and everything creaks. Stretching ten minutes per day can be transformational. My balance is better, I am stronger, and feel more centered. It’s not difficult to stretch ten minutes a day and the rewards are important and worthwhile. Mobility can no longer be taken for granted.
Letting Go of Societal Expectations
In our society, youth and beauty are rewarded and many of us struggle with age. Let go of these expectations and focus on what truly brings you fulfillment and joy! I’m working on not holding myself to unreasonable expectations. My house isn’t clean and the laundry isn’t done. Who really freaking cares. Is there some judge sitting in my yard holding up a judgment sign? Did I not get a 10 out of 10? Who cares! Someone will be living in this house in the future and I will be just a memory to these walls. Today I choose to rearrange my priorities. I’m looking for more joy and less worry.
Why is Self-Acceptance so Important?
As explained in one post from Harvard Health, the importance of self-acceptance “does not exist in a vacuum – it actually has profound effects on your physical and psychological health.” But why is this so difficult? It’s about the need for approval. We change our behaviors and perceptions to “fit in.” Self-acceptance can happen through focusing on yourself and really understanding yourself. Being aware of who you are, and learning how to love yourself.
Every single day I am alive, I choose to be grateful for one more second of sunlight, one more breath in my body, and one more feeling of wonderment with nature that surrounds me. This life is truly a miracle to be embraced and appreciated. I recently read that as we get older it seems like time speeds up. This is because we tend to lump our lives into chunks instead of living in the present. I’m slowing down time by appreciating my moments.
Practice Mindfulness and Presence
Today I took a Yin yoga class. Physically, it was very easy to do, but after the practice, I felt overwhelmed and emotional. Why? I never allow myself to just “be.” Mindfulness practices and techniques allow one to stay in the moment. It helps cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness. After that practice, I was more attuned to my own thoughts, feelings, and sensations.
I’m still working on truly understanding the importance of self-acceptance. This is a beautiful, challenging, and complex life. I am so blessed to be living it. Perspective is everything.
My random post for the day.
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