Who Says You Have To Live Your Life Their Way?
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
From the time we were children, everyone around us was trying to make us into something that they thought we should be. As innocent children we don’t really know any better than to listen to those around us. They are wiser, right? Not always, because they too were conditioned throughout their lives.
It is a cycle that repeats itself through generations. In the long run it is harmful to our psyche. Social conditioning really affects who we are really supposed to be. From that, we forget ourselves and fall into the trap of losing our true identity, giving up our power to others’ judgements.
We lose the power of loving ourselves unconditionally by criticizing ourselves that we are ‘never enough’. This becomes a vicious cycle until we realize that if we do not love ourselves, how can we love anyone or anything in life?!
Self-acceptance: to love and accept yourself unconditionally no matter what your flaws or traits are.
When you get to the point of accepting yourself exactly the way you are, your life really begins to shift in amazing ways. Make peace with the mirror and watch your reflection change.
What would that change of reflection in the mirror look like?
We would love ourselves whether: we pass or fail that exam; we are skinny or husky; we exercise or not; we say ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to our friend; we stand up for ourselves or not. We would love ourselves equally no matter what.
Once you accept and love yourself unconditionally it really does not matter what you think of yourself, because you love yourself unconditionally – all negative thoughts dissolve. How and what you think of yourself is irrelevant - you are YOU – free to express yourself as it feels natural! Be yourself and the right people will love the real you.
Here are 8 affirmations you can read out loud and say to yourself every morning:
1. I accept who I am whole-heartedly.
When you accept who you are and speak your truth authentically, this is the start of a huge shift for yourself.
2. I forgive myself.
When you forgive yourself it allows you to move forward from struggling thoughts or emotions tied to guilt, worry, doubt, etc. to truly be you.
3. I value myself.
By valuing and honoring who you are, you give yourself the confidence to step into your power.
4. I am a blessing.
By affirming to the Universe that you are a blessing, it will conspire on your behalf.
5. I express myself freely.
When you speak your truth and express who you truly are it gives power to your voice.
6. I trust myself.
When you trust the authenticity of the real you, this sets the foundation of
the confidence of unconditional love.
7. I love myself.
By telling yourself that you love and accept every aspect of who you are, you are able to genuinely love others.
8. I empower myself.
By stating these affirmations daily, they will empower you to live each day in your authentic self.
Each day you do these affirmations you will become stronger and more confident with your true self. When you love yourself unconditionally, you validate who you are and you’ll become less reliant on validations from others. So as a result your relationships with others will become easier.
You will take better care of yourself. You will have no problem setting boundaries for yourself and you will not feel guilty saying no when that is how you truly wish to respond. Taking care of yourself in this way will shift your life in ways you have never imagined.
When you feel happy, you feel free. In fact, you are free of the need to please others to get love. You already have all the love you need right here. THIS is what inner peace is all about.
Unconditional love is your birthright. Love yourself unconditionally; step into your power and live your life for YOU!
“Acceptance – I find that when we really love and accept and approve of ourselves exactly as we are, then everything in life works.” ~ Louise Hay
As I bite into my peppermint patty and it melts into the sip of coffee in my mouth, I experience the sensation of skyrocketing through the universe. I rest into the vastness of the galaxy as I feel the stars brush against my cheeks.
What a very touching blog!! You touch on all the right areas. People need to express their innerselves so they don’t hold it in. Upon doing so, you feel as though you might burst! Thanks for the steps. I will print this out, and try to follow it daily!! Take care ☺☺!!
Hi Kathy, Thank you for the compliment. I am so glad you enjoyed the blog! Yes you are absolutely right, we need to express our true selves to live our life freely. To accept our flaws as they are and love ourselves unconditionally. To have our own expression is what makes us unique and beautiful!
You write from the heart and provide inspiration from which we all can benefit. I will keep a copy of this and try to put it into practice daily. Thank you!
Lisa, I appreciate and thank you for your compliment on my blog. That is my goal is to get the message out there to inspire others. When we speak and live our truth of who real really are, we can then live our lives authentically and in peace. I am glad you will try to put these tips into daily practice. You will see a big shift in your life! 🙂
Absolutely wonderful blog !!! It’s so hard for one to love themselves in our fast-paced lives we ignore ourselves and our needs and put ourselves last as mother’s or fathers. When you have great people who care and write little message like this to help remind us to look in the mirror and just be in the present moment feel gratitude and love that we are perfectly imperfect and that is 100% ok. Plus steps to move forward from not putting ourselves first to the realization that we are our own biggest cheerleader and what a beautiful transformation we can experience if we just apply these principles.
Jill, Thank you so much for your comment about my blog. I couldn’t agree more with your statement. When we look in the mirror and accept all of our flaws and imperfections and love ourselves unconditionally, we are our biggest cheerleaders! Jump up and down and cheer I-L O V E-M E! 🙂