Self-Acceptance

This is a charge to my fellow over achievers. Let thy work be done. Come to the close of another day and find joy in what you have done in the hours given. Let it go. Take some time to reflect. We try to be the best and drum up a constant competition with ourselves that we know we will never win. We have busied ourselves to the point of blindness and cannot see the beautiful world we have created. The cycle of monkey mind can dance and flip from one mental tree to another, shaking down leaves of doubt that will cause us to slip and fall. The imagery of how we didn’t reach the pinnacle is prominent, and our calculating mind draws expectations complete with judgments to insure failure has been eliminated as an option. We can be our own worst enemy, all because of an unrealistic expectation that most likely wasn’t our own thought in the first place.

One of the greatest lessons I have learned is realizing that I don’t have to follow a negative thought path. When I realized that I could control where my thoughts could go, I experienced a new freedom and appreciation for my mind.

Striving for perfection, whether it is with yourself or someone else, very well may be the biggest dream killer. We want so badly to be accepted as the idea of which we think ourselves to be, yet we are pulled back because we fear failure. Mistakes are necessary and we have the right to make them. Pinpointing negative focus on them will breed more, but the allowance of mistakes creates happiness, patience, and a healthy outlook.

Expectations are aspects of our humanity wanting to take measure of the grandness of our world. We have never been failed by the sun, we have come to rely on the majesty of the stars and the moon navigates our tides within. We need to feel that we have equal importance in our internal universe, and be the mainstay of conscious awareness. If you wish to affirm your presence in a vast sea of diversity, begin to write affirmations. By keeping an affirmation journal, you are not only bolstering yourself, you are attracting love of all kinds.

There are six attributes that I call my “Daily Joy Arsenal” with self –acceptance being one of the seven. The guarantee of joy flanks each attribute as an integral aspect and is a measurable effect of the practice. Spending time forgiving yourself for mistakes made, opens the door to a world of endless possibilities. Letting yourself off the hook brings simple pleasures of being grounded to your feet. Dancing yourself free of dissatisfaction allows you to see beyond yourself and connect with others. A practice of kindness to yourself is a will become your guide in creating attainable joy.

A Meditative Practice for Self-Acceptance:

Whenever you feel that you are not enough, look down at the marvel of your fingerprints, they are the only set that will ever exist again. Start with your hands and breathe. Think about the different things about yourself that set you apart and thank yourself for them. When you feel doubt think “fingerprints.” Remember that you are unique and beautiful. Continue this practice until it becomes second nature. Allow blessings. Say “thank you.” Repeat if desired.

Coming soon: An In-Depth Look at The Daily Joy Arsenal:

Kindness

Gratitude

Self-Acceptance

Integrity

Motivation

Compassion

Empathy