I know a few, and I am sure you may be familiar with one or two as well. They can be the life of the party or the individual who stays in the corner of the room talking to one person all evening. They are public speakers, stay at home moms, professionals and unemployed. However, they have one thing in common; they are all plagued by this simple problem. Failing to take the path to self-acceptance.
This group is familiar with avoidance. They excel in careers, parenting and whatever they chose to do yet they fail to accept their worth. They do no comprehend or recognise their value. In fact, whenever complimented they laugh nervously and change the subject. The value that they cherish is all external, and their self-talk is mostly negative. They thrive on accomplishments but in the silence when all other voices are hushed they face discomfort and fear.
There are two important things to change for self-acceptance to become a reality
Change How you see yourself
Accept you, now, right here, right where you are. Before you lose the weight, change your wardrobe, get the promotion, the new job, husband or new car.
Change internal dialogue
Adjust what you say to yourself, repeat and personalise what the Lord says about you. ‘You are fearfully and wonderfully made’ Psalms 139:14 ‘you are the apple of my eye’ Deuteronomy 32:10
Though the suggestions may involve risk, these are risk worth taking. As you begin to challenge your internal dialogue, you will perhaps meet with resistance as you struggle to win the battle between retreating into the safety of the old versus the newness of the unknown. The fear of the unknown is usually more daunting than what happens when you arrive there. So begin to look in the mirror, hold your gaze and say ‘I love you.’