Self-acceptance is a concept that we don’t think about very often. However, we probably should. Whether or not you accept yourself can have a great impact on how you feel and how you act. It can affect your entire world. Learning this concept is one of the most effective ways to silence your inner naysayer. In order to do that, you’ll need to understand more about what self-acceptance is and why it matters so much. About Self-Acceptance Self-acceptance is different than self-esteem. It doesn’t revolve around your thoughts and feelings about yourself. It’s more an attitude and understanding. It doesn’t waver. Self-acceptance is the belief that you’re good enough right now as you are. It acknowledges the fact that you’re flawed and that there could be room for improvement. Self-acceptance doesn’t mean you should be resigned to never changing. It does rely on the understanding that your core self is okay. You are enough. Why It Matters When you accept yourself, you’re not constantly comparing yourself to others. Your happiness doesn’t depend on outside forces. You’re not moving through the world waiting for someday. You understand who you are today, and you’re at peace with that person. You aren’t striving to be thinner, smarter, prettier, or anything more than you are in the moment. You may still take steps to make those changes, but you know deep down you’ll be okay if none of those changes ever happen. Acceptance and Your Inner Naysayer When you accept yourself for who you are, you’re far less likely to give in to the criticism of your inner naysayer. When that voice tells you that you’re not enough, you may take a moment to consider the situation, but you won’t fall apart. You’re not likely to be held back or to avoid taking risks when you have a sense that you’re capable just as you are. No matter what your inner critic has to say, self-acceptance allows you to question it. You’re able to take stock of the situation and see it as it really is, rather than to accept the absolutes of your negative self-talk. As you can see, self-acceptance is a powerful force. It means knowing who you are and believing that person is good. It’s believing you’re enough. That kind of understanding can get you through nearly any hurdle life throws at you. It can definitely help you to know when your inner naysayer is lying to you. Self-acceptance is a key component of self-love.
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Gratitude is an underrated virtue. Feeling thankful for the great things in your life can do a lot to improve your mood and your view of yourself. It’s easy to forget all the blessings in our lives when things get difficult or when our inner naysayer is being particularly loud. Taking time to remember the good things can bring an entirely new and positive perspective to a negative situation. Starting your day by focusing on gratitude and positivity is a practice that can have a tremendous effect on every aspect of your day. Giving thanks can get you started on the right foot. You’ll leave the house feeling more optimistic and content than you would otherwise, a feeling that can last throughout the day, and it can also serve to insulate you from any stress or obstacles you encounter during your regular routine. Let’s consider some easy ways to start each day practicing gratitude and positivity. Start a Journal A gratitude journal is one of the easiest ways to keep your blessings at hand. Start your day by writing down three to five things you’re grateful for in your life. You can expand upon that and write details about each, if you choose. This simple act starts your day on a positive note. You can also look back at past entries any time you need a pick-me-up about just how great your life is. Repeat Affirmations Affirmations are concise, positive sentences. Usually, they’re personal statements about yourself and your life. Affirmations are meant as a reminder of your gifts and abilities. They’re an awesome tool for reminding yourself just how great you really are. You can really boost your self-confidence with this practice. Create an affirmation and repeat it out loud several times. Soon, you’ll absorb the message and carry it with you as you go about your day. Reflect on Your Blessings Sometimes, just sitting in quiet contemplation to reflect on your blessings can be enough. This type of meditation focuses your thoughts and grounds you in mindfulness. It’s a way of centering yourself and purposefully beginning your day with gratitude and positivity. Sitting with a cup of tea in a quiet place can be enough, or you can choose a more formal meditation position of sitting on a pillow placed upon the floor. It doesn’t matter, as long as you have privacy and can be alone with your thoughts. Keep these techniques in mind if you’re looking for a way to begin each morning with purpose and to guide your day in gratitude. You’ll notice a shift in your attitude and the ways you manage the obstacles you encounter. Problems won’t seem to matter as much when you create a morning ritual like this. Shutting up that inner critic can be hard. You’ve learned some great strategies so far on our journey together, but these tactics are all things you have to do on your own. Sometimes, pushing past your negative self-talk requires some help. Seeking help from an outside source doesn’t make you weak. In fact, you’ll probably find it strengthens you and possibly even some of your relationships, too. We don’t always see ourselves as others see us. It’s particularly easy to overlook our positive qualities. When your inner critic is bombarding you with negative messages, it may take an outside perspective to help you see the reality of a situation. You might not be able to get the push you need on your own. There’s no shame in asking for help. There are lots of ways to look outside yourself when it comes to shutting down your inner critic. Take a look below for some strategies. It’s important to understand that it’s okay to ask for help in defusing your inner naysayer. Consult a Trusted Friend Reach out to friends or even family that you trust. Those who know you best can offer you honest feedback when you’re feeling unsure about things. Ask someone who will be honest, yet sensitive, in their approach. This way, you’ll be sure they’re not just trying to be nice. These are people who will provide you with a realistic view of you and your situation, helping you to make an informed decision about your next steps. Seek Therapy Your inner critic has probably been around your whole life. There are a number of complex reasons for our negative self-talk. Sometimes working through these issues requires the help of a professional. Seeking therapy is a great way to start to see for yourself what is real and what has been falsely ingrained throughout your life. When you begin to work through these deep-seated issues, you start to heal and to see your own value. Do Some Reading If you're really not ready to talk to others about your self-criticism, it’s okay. A good place to start is by researching the issues you’re facing. For example, if you’re regularly telling yourself that you can’t achieve great things or that you’re not enough, do some research on self-confidence. Read books and blog posts that can show you how to gain more of it. If your internal messages tell you it’s not safe to trust others, read up on the topic of building trust. You get the idea. Take note of any patterns coming from your inner naysayer and then search for resources to help you defeat them. These tips should help you find help overcoming your inner critic. Sometimes it’s not possible to work through these negative messages on your own. It’s perfectly acceptable to look for help. |
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