Our minds are incredibly powerful and influence the perception of each of our realities. 

The truth is, we all have our own unique talents, strengths and weaknesses. We are complex and diverse beings. This diversity and these complexities are a part of what makes us unique, and what makes you, you.

Our minds have the power to take us, pretty much, anywhere. It’s all about how we steer our thoughts and where we steer them that affects the way we feel and behave. 

You are in control. 

In this article we’ll discover 5 steps to accept who you are today, so that everyday you can love and accept who you are in the present moment.  

1. Focus on yourself

One of the worst things we can do to ourselves is compare ourselves to others. In actuality, it makes no sense that we do such a thing. Maybe it stems from our competitive nature rooted in our survival instincts. But wherever it derives from, doesn’t necessarily justify why we would even consider it rational to compare ourselves to others when we haven’t even lived the same, or similar life experiences which shape us into who we are today. When we compare ourselves to others we are only debilitating our own progress. When we compare ourselves to others we are depleting our own energy and mental and emotional space for creating uplifting experiences, moments and possibilities for ourselves. 

But we all do it. 

We all find ourselves slipping into that comparative mode. Longing for something else, to be like someone else. But how about the next time you find yourself comparing yourself to another, catch the thought and override the thought with one of your own strengths. Or even one of your own weaknesses that you’d like to work on and ways in which you can work on those parts of yourself you’d like to change. Just imagine how much more fulfilled you might feel. We know you have a lot to offer to yourself and your community. Really, we’re sure of it. 

2. Know you values and live according to them

Knowing and understanding our values is a part of knowing and understanding ourselves. Knowing and understanding our personal values is how we learn to make decisions that make us feel good and at ease. Without setting up and organizing our values, life can feel very confusing and overwhelming. 

How about taking a break from reading this article right now and writing down your top 5 most important values. Really, just give yourself 10 minutes at least, to write it out. We’re not going anywhere! 

When we have a clear idea of what our values and priorities are, then we can make decisions that are in alignment with our values, which will make it 10x easier to accept who you are and what you do because you are acting in accordance with your values. 

3. Gratitude and Acceptance 

Treat yourself to feelings of gratitude and acceptance, we promise it’s worth it. Everyday. It’s worth it. Everyday, in the morning, or evening, go through 5 things that you’re grateful for. Whether it’s your own health, your ability to see, smell, hear, think, walk, for having security, or for the people in your life, we believe that you can find at least 5 things a day to feel grateful for. For the ability to feed yourself, for the simple fact that you woke up, whatever it is, for two weeks, everyday, go through a list of things that you’re grateful for. And see how much that gratitude can transform your outlook on life. Experience how opening yourself up to gratitude can allow you to accept who you are today and the beauty you have to offer to yourself and others each day. 

4. Please yourself, not only others

All too often we worry about what others might think or say about us based on the decisions we take. It’s really debilitating and sometimes paralyzing to constantly navigate through life based on what others might say or think about us. Know this, in life, you will make mistakes, but you are not your mistakes. As we said earlier, you are a beautifully complex individual with many facets and aspects that make up who you are. When we learn to start following our own intuition and desires, we begin to feel confident in who we are and what we do. 

In the beginning it may feel difficult, uncomfortable or you may feel insecure, but that’s only because you are doing something you’re not used to. It’s the same as trying on a new pair of shoes, or learning a new language. At first it may feel awkward, but the more you do it, the more you practice, the more natural it will feel, the more in sync you will feel with your own desires and needs. When we take the time to please ourselves, to feel good about what we do and the decisions we make, then we are more available to genuinely help and be there for for others. 

5. Connect with others in real time, in real space

We often romanticize how other people’s lives are and all the ways they are great. But, after spending meaningful time with others, sharing your experiences with them and listening to their experiences, you will quickly learn that others too have insecurities and have gone through hardships. No one is perfect. When we build deep and meaningful relationships with others, we can learn from them and expand our support group to both give and receive love. It’s more important than ever to build meaningful relationships with others and spend time with people in real life. Social media, movies and tv shows have the power to distort reality and make us believe in false narratives. When we spend time with others, we are able to see more of the picture, behind the scenes, and it helps us understand the deeper complexities of each person's life. It lends room for more compassion and acceptance. It offers you support and the ability to share your wisdom and insight with others.

Are you working on accepting who you are in the present moment? Share your experiences and story with us, we’d really love to hear from you!

Ready to start accepting yourself today?

Affirmations done in the MIRROR are a powerful way to reinforce self acceptance and silence your inner critic! Click Here to get your FREE "Mirror Affirmations" to help you start feeling confident.

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