When Will Someone Accept Me for Me?... Learning to Accept Yourself...

When will someone accept me for me?... Said the girl who couldn't accept herself...

So often we put the pressure on others to give us validation or to "accept us", when all along the "problem" isn't with others but from within our own person. I know that some won't even read this entry in its entirety, because they don't think that they have an issue with self-acceptance. Well, let me ask you a few questions (not a complete assessment, buuuut):

1.  How many times have you criticized yourself about the smallest thing, and didn't feel good about yourself until someone else came along and gave you positive feedback about the same thing you put yourself down for?
2. How often do you find fault in the way that you look, and no matter what others say, you still see that fault?
3. How easily do you change your behavior, in order to "fit in" with others around you, because you deem it necessary?

Truth is...  You'll never be good enough, pretty/handsome enough, slim enough, etcetera, if you can't accept yourself as you are.... Let me say that again, in a different way.... You can't be something for someone else, expect acceptance from someone else or please anyone else, if you can't accept or please yourself (and the choir sings, the hands are raised and the crowd goes wild)... 

So many books, journals and articles have been written to help with this, but the first step is Recognizing the Issue. What good is a book, if it is not read, or a counselor without a client?

My usual self-disclosure: I've always struggled with accepting myself as I am. Never believing that I was good enough in one way or another, while comparing myself to others, their lives and/or their accomplishments. Constantly focusing on my failures, that was me. Above, you see professional photos depicting emotion for the camera, while inside genuinely feeling that darkness... That smile, you see in the last picture is genuine, however. A woman who has decided to accept herself, regardless of others acceptance... And it feels great... A weight still carried but lightened...

You all know that I am a big advocate of positive self-talk and positive re-framing. Take a moment, during your time of self-evaluation, and tell yourself something nice. Be your own number 1 fan and cheer yourself on today! As always, my loves, I leave you your passionately driven ChristalNicole...