Are you truly comfortable and happy being who you are?
Do you find it easier to try to be someone else so that you can please other people?
Are you constantly holding back, afraid that other people won’t like or accept you if they know what you are ‘really’ like?
Well the news is all good. It is okay to be you. In fact, it is great to be you! You were put on this earth to be the person you truly are. You CAN learn to accept and love yourself just as you are. This empowers you to live life in an authentic and satisfying manner and frees you to move on to be the person you truly want to be – on your own terms and in your own way.
Below are seven ways you can begin to make self-acceptance a reality in your life and finally become all you are meant to be, free from self doubt and fear and living with renewed lightness and joy.
* Accept who you are
You are a person of infinite worth and value, just because you exist. You don’t have to apologise for being you! Spend some time getting to know yourself in a deeper way – discover your strengths, your values and beliefs, your interest and passions - and get in touch with your dreams.
* Suspend judgement and forgive yourself
Self-criticism is paralysing, making it difficult to take positive action. Forgive yourself for past mistakes and leave them behind. Stop being so hard on yourself and you will free up an enormous amount of energy to live and to enjoy life.
* Take responsibility for yourself
Take responsibility for your own actions as well as for your own happiness. Perfection is not required: what you do need is to do is do the best you can. Being prepared to take a risk, and fail, will give you the courage to try, and to succeed.
* Respect and honour yourself
No-one else can do the job of being you. No-one else can fulfil your purpose but you. Become committed to your own best good. Once you know how to love yourself you will be able to truly love and care for others.
* Care for yourself
Look after yourself as you would your most precious possession. Eat well, exercise, challenge yourself, allow yourself rest and relaxation, and give yourself permission to enjoy being you.
* Be grateful for who you are
Celebrate who you are – take delight in your existence. Be grateful for each day you are alive. Give yourself credit for who you are and enjoy your achievements along the way.
* Open up your heart and embrace life and all its possibilities
Philosopher, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe said ‘Trust yourself, then you will know how to live’. By learning to trust in your own instincts and rely on your abilities you will be able to more readily respond to life’s opportunities and love yourself and truly enjoy your life.
© Copyright: Marian Kerr, Contemplate Life Coaching, 2009. All Rights Reserved