How to Accept Yourself
Learning how to accept yourself is a process. Some parts of the process are simple and can happen with amazing speed. Other aspects may take longer or can be more difficult to root out. Cultivate AwarenessJust like other forms of negative thinking, you probably have your favorite put down phrases and patterns. An important step in learning how to accept yourself is to become aware of your road blocks to accepting yourself.Listen to what you say to yourself and how you say it. What comments do you make about yourself to others? Can you graciously accept a compliment? Observe how you look at yourself in the mirror. What does your body language say? Note what positive and negative comments come to mind about how you look. Can you look in the mirror and say, "I love you."? What do you believe about your ability to heal and/or achieve your goals? Do you believe you are important, good enough and worth it just the way you are? In addition to noticing how you think and talk about yourself, notice what you say and think about others. This is often an excellent way to become aware of the less obvious parts of yourself that you don't like or acknowledge. Stop the Criticism
Make a commitment here and now to stop criticizing yourself and others. Accept that you are in charge of your thoughts. You can make them work for you or against you. This step takes a lot of awareness and effort, especially if you've been very negative or critical. It's worth it. Stop the criticism mid-stream if you have to. And watch out for the put downs and limiting thoughts that appear helpful or protective. Be patient and forgiving of yourself. But be persistent. It gets easier as you practice. You can step this process up by adding gratitude. When I catch myself commenting negatively about some part of myself, I stop and make a point of expressing gratitude for and to that part of my body or personality. So when unhappily looking at the cellulite on my thighs I catch myself. Then I thank them for how wonderfully they serve me and how much I appreciate the work they do. After all, it's not their fault they have extra weight. This practice changes my feelings from disgust to love. It also motivates me to take better care of myself. The goal of course is to avoid the criticism all together, but shifting your thoughts in this way is quite effective. Make Peace with YourselfAs the saying goes, "It is what it is." All of you, every part, needs and deserves love. Send love from your heart to all parts of yourself - mind, body and spirit. Bathe yourself in the energy and light of love.What if you really don't like something about yourself? That's okay. Loving and accepting yourself doesn't mean settling for what isn't in your best interest. Actually, it's often just the opposite. Love what you dislike first. Then if you still want to make changes, and it's possible, go for it. Making changes in yourself and your life from a place of love and self acceptance is empowering and healing. So is deciding to live in harmony with your limitations, flaws and 'less than perfect' attributes. Use Tools to Help YouWe are lucky to live in a time when topics like how to accept yourself are important.Energy psychology experts and holistic healers have developed a variety of techniques that help with accepting yourself and others. They work quite well and I encourage you to experiment with them using the links below and in the free members area. To name just a few helpful tools there's Z Point, Neuro Linguistic Programming, Core Energy Healing, the Work, and the Emotional Freedom Technique. Working with one or more of these tools can quickly increase your awareness and shift your perspectives. They help you reduce or eliminate the negative thoughts and beliefs that interfere with your self acceptance on all levels.
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