……..If I can accept that I am who I am, that I feel what I feel, that I have done what I have done – if I can accept it whether I like it or not – then I can accept myself. I can accept my shortcomings, my self-doubts, my poor self-esteem. When I can accept all that, I have put myself on the side of reality rather than attempting to fight reality. I am no longer twisting my consciousness in knots to maintain delusions about my present condition. So now, I can clear the road for the first steps of strengthening my self-esteem.
As long as we cannot accept the fact of who we are, at any given moment of our existence, as long as we cannot permit ourselves fully aware of our choices and actions, we cannot admit the truth into our consciousness, we cannot change.
Accepting your circumstances as they are, as a reality full of challenges to be mastered and conditions to be explored, will make you wise about yourself and about life.
True wisdom requires a fully integrated knowledge, not just a surface understanding of issues and events. You will feel self-confident and settled enough in your new reality to take some risks. You will find yourself experimenting with the new attitudes and life-styles you believe will make you healthy and happy again. A willingness to try again is crucial. Of course experimenting is risky. Sometimes your strategies will work and sometimes they won’t. There is certain sense of relief that comes with the ability. This resilience will increase your self-respect.
Many people are surprised at their renewed enthusiasm for life once they have begun to bounce back with problems. You will be proud of your ability to stay in the process. For several weeks, even months, you will need sustained effort to establish fully your best success. You will notice that you will tend to have a lot more patience to accomplish the work. Your own experience will tell you that your life is becoming more and more rewarding and less disappointing.
Whatever you do, don’t miss the opportunity to capture the mighty forces that come parading forth from the mind. During any mindless activity you too, may have a creative burst. Remember to spend your energy on your path to growth, not your path to setback. Your visions of what you want will help you motivate and encourage you in your growing process. Accept yourself and work accordingly because you are in charge!
By Shabnam Khan, Personal Development Staff at Semiahmoo House Society
Semiahmoo House Society, a non-profit organization located in Surrey/White Rock, exists to provide quality services and supports to people with disabilities and their families in the community.
The Semiahmoo Foundation, located in Surrey/White Rock, exists to fund, support and enhance the programs and services delivered by Semiahmoo House Society.