Self-acceptance, the act of loving one’s self for exactly who they are can be one of the toughest acts for an individual. You may find that in life, family, friends, colleagues, and strangers can be very critical, judgmental, and even challenging to deal with at times. They don’t understand who you are, your actions, manners, and choices. As a result, you begin to question everything, creating a vicious cycle of self-doubt, unworthiness, and insecurities.
Life experience has taught me that in many instances, some people are quick to judge and find fault with others because they actually aren’t happy with themselves. They see a quality or a trait in you that they do not possess or want to change. So, instead of lifting you up in praise and support and in a futile attempt to feel better about themselves, they prefer to strike out with the hope of devaluing your individual worth.
Remember! Their perception of you is not your reality. Just because they think a certain way about you, doesn’t make it so. Steer clear from their verbal barbs and don’t be drug down into their emotional sinkhole. You and you alone control your actions, thoughts, and feelings. You own them and ultimately you are accountable for them, too.
One of my favorite quotes by Mahatma Gandhi that I have written on my dry erase board that hangs behind my kitchen door says, “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” Meaning, love yourself and be that positive change in this world that begins and ends with my individual thoughts, words and actions every day.
The inspiration for this month’s blog came out of a conversation with a close friend. I thought if I could turn your plea of dear me, love me into a love letter to yourself, what would it say? I thought it may go a little something like this:
Dear Me,
You are special and you are loved. Learn to love yourself as God loves you. Learn to see yourself as unique because you are a child of God and he created you in his image. You have a purpose on earth that is greater than your job title, your salary, the house you own or the kind of car you drive.
Let go of your burdens, for the load will become too great and weigh you down. Forgive. Choose to fill your heart with love and joy. Surround yourself with those who love and accept you for exactly who you are. Why? Because, I care about you. More importantly, I love you.
Love, Me
Learn to love yourself so that you may give this world the best you have to offer.
“For the Lord does not see as man sees; for man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” ― 1 Samuel 16:7b (NKJV)
About Katie Hart Smith
Katie Hart Smith’s column, “From the Heart,” touches the heart, inspires, and entertains. Smith, a published author for over twenty years, believes that words, written or spoken, have power. To learn more, visit www.katiehartsmith.com.
