As we continue our journey towards self-acceptance, we’re called to reflect on the reasons for this to be less of a concept and more of a state-of-being, or a practice of self-compassion. When our actions, behaviors, words are aligned with our inner truth, we are able to alleviate a host of symptoms that come from resistance.  As we feel greater synchronicity with that natural self we are able to enter more flow and ease in our day-to-day lives.

When you start this journey, it may begin to feel lonely. You may shed connections with those that have not accepted you for you or you may not feel ready to make those changes. It may also be hard for those that are there for you, to understand what’s happening, but that’s a normal part of the process. With that, we’re here to remind you that those who see you, will do the work with you and be along side you as you begin to achieve your own radical self-acceptance. 

Building Your Self-Compassion Toolbox

• Cultivate Your Inner Voice

Often we’re harder on ourselves than we are on others.  What would you say to a friend in your situation? The reminder to be kind to ourselves sounds like a catchphrase, but the call to treat yourself as you treat others remains true.

• Say Goodbye to Comparisons 

As much as some assimilation is needed to be part of communities to contribute to teams and families and growth, when we start to look to the left and right and worry about what others are doing, we start to create false narratives of what we need.  Everyone’s journey is different, the call is to focus on our own inner knowing of what you need, not what everyone else is doing.

The truth is, as we begin to move towards radical self-acceptance, we may begin to experience some tough inner battles, we may have spent years hiding, and beginning to explore unconditional positive self-regard may feel foreign, nauseating, and confusing. Throughout this journey, you may lose connections that no longer fit in your life, and you may make some big life changes. Often, this is when we may stop ourselves from continuing that journey. It’s actually not as easy as a few bullet points from a blog post, but the practice of continued work towards this belief is when change begins to happen. 

So, bear with us, we will offer a few ending bullet points on none other than:

The benefits of “radical self-acceptance”

• Less stress

When we accept our abilities, both strengths and weaknesses, we are able to communicate what we need, make plans to achieve growth and goals, and ease into what we call eustress, or beneficial stress, rather than distress.

• Deeper connection with others

Being authentic with ourselves, invites others to be themselves around us as well. This is when we cultivate more intimacy and connection with others, as you’re connecting from your truth. 

• Increased inner peace 

The beauty of the concept of radical self-acceptance is that it’s already available to each and every one of us.  While there are ways that the outer world and experiences can influence us to feel like not enough, when we speak to ourselves with the same mantra of, “we are all trying our best,” we align with feelings that bring about positive change.

It all comes down to compassion for yourself. While the world may not consistently feel like a safe place, as we nurture ourselves and heal, you’ll become your own center of gravity.  So as you continue to discover ways of cultivating this self-compassion, we want to invite you to consider a few other options, from journaling, to mindfulness and of course, talk therapy. Working with a therapist can provide the space and support needed to explore your authentic self. We know this journey will look different for everyone, so what do you need to invite in your own self-embrace?

For more mental health tips and general updates from our team of therapists, please feel encouraged to sign up for our mailing list here.