There is joy in missing out the judgements not just from others but from yourself as well.

When we look at ourselves, most of the times we focus on things we lack, things we just don’t know and things are not perfect. We rarely look at the good sides.

Some say that it is important to know what you’re lacking to become a better version of yourself. I won’t say I disagree, but I’d say we still need to look at our own self with kindness.

If you could be someone else for a day, who would you be, and why?

The answer to the above question generally is:

Someone better.

Someone richer.

Someone more talented.

Someone more confident.

Why?

Because sometimes we aspire to be all of the above and other times we compare us to those we think are all of the above and then become sad.

Comparison is the killer of joy

How to to practice self-acceptance

Self-acceptance is important for your physical and mental health. So we need to learn how to practice it.

A good place to start is by embracing things that are unique about you. It doesn’t come easy but if you are having trouble doing so list out all the good things about your unique quirks and read them every once in a while.

Let go of things you can’t change. Don’t like something but you know you cannot change it. Let it go. Let go of that thought. Again, I am not saying it is easy but you need to do it for yourself.

Make a list of your strengths. If necessary, print it out or write it down and stick it where you can see it.

Mindfully notice how you judge yourself. Once you have done that, try to see how you can change this, how you can be kinder to yourself.

Identify how comments by others affect you. Then go ahead and tell yourself that what they think is their opinion and opinions aren’t fact. Keep practicing it all the time.

Every time you have a negative thought about yourself, stop yourself and do something else. Ask yourself:

1. Is it a kind thought?
2. Would I say something like this to my best friend?
3. How does this thought make me fee?

If the answer to first two questions is no and to third is “bad/sad” or anything negative, you need to let that thought go. Focus on better things. Go back to the list of your strengths.

Let go of the thought that you would love yourself after you improve something. Example: I would love myself better after I lose weight.

Every individual’s self-acceptance journey is different but in the end all that matters is that you start accepting yourself the way you are.

10 minute self-acceptance mediation

featured image by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash