Accepting Yourself

I have a friend who has been going through a very difficult time right now in her life.  Recently she sent me a text that said, "Where are the people that say, 'Just be you. I love you just the way you are.'"

I can empathize with her on this. I find that there are so many people (spouses, significant others, social media, blogs, etc) telling us what we should do be doing.  How we should act.  How we should spend our free time. How whatever we are doing is not good enough if we aren't doing what they are doing.  It can really start to bring a person down and make one question their self-worth. Often I think some people feel they have to change who they are to be liked and accepted.

It is so important to not listen to these voices and work on loving who we are. As I was searching for some inspirational articles I came across this blog entry that really struck a chord with me.  It is entitled Accept Yourself as You Are. Even When Others Don't. In the blog, she discusses growing up feeling the need to change to meet others expectations. As an adult, she then comes to the realization that the only person she needs to please is herself.  What a great message but difficult to put into practice without a high level of self-confidence.

When I am doing what I love, I find I am happy and confident.  This allows me to be a great mom and role model for my daughters. At work I am more efficient and am really able to make a difference in my patient's lives. For some people, they find that inner peace through yoga or through religion and charitable work. Some may spend hours in the kitchen creating elaborate meals. And there are those of us that just need to get a good, hard workout in. Find what works for you. What puts a smile on your face?

The bottom line is really knowing that who you are is enough. And if others can't see that they are not worth spending time around. So my advice to my friend is, find those people and do not let them go. They are true gems. I know I love her just the way she is.