There’s a common misconception that self-acceptance is being complacent or giving up or lowering your standards.
Viewing self-acceptance that way is not only incorrect, it does not promote positive mental health or fuel your emotional wellbeing.
The self-acceptance I encourage begins with a realistic awareness of your personal strengths and weaknesses, and your perceived imperfections, while recognizing and acknowledging your own uniqueness.
When you genuinely accept yourself, self-criticism doesn’t rule your thoughts.
But the truth is, self-acceptance can be hard.
Accepting our imperfections or ‘flaws’ can sometimes feel like we are belittling ourselves or perhaps even giving up on ourselves.
Many of us strive for perfectionism, which inhibits self-acceptance.
This striving for perfectionism leads to self-criticism and negative thought distortions that tell us we should be doing better, doing more, being better, being more.
People with high levels of perfectionism are more likely to suffer from sleep problems and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), as well as being prone to depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
As a recovering perfectionist, I can relate. You?
To become more self-accepting, we need to let go of unrealistic expectations of ourselves, change the way we relate to ourselves and find compassionate ways to treat ourselves rather than berating ourselves at every turn.
Practicing self-acceptance could start with recognizing that what you see as ‘flaws’ are simply the things that make you human and uniquely you.
Tune in to podcast episode 47, "The Path to Self-Acceptance: The Self-Series Part 3” as I explore the concept of self-acceptance, why it can be challenging, and the role it plays in shaping your emotional wellbeing. I give you 4 ways to nurture and practice self-acceptance with the goal of learning to embrace it as a core part of your belief system.
Love, Your Wellness Coach,
Alyssa
P.S. Pumpkin lover? Looking for some yummy fall recipes? Check out 5 delicious & healthy pumpkin recipes for fall. Enjoy!
November 17, 2021