How do you "accept" yourself? What does it mean to "accept" oneself?

Answer 1

to me , accepting myself is accepting that i am human, and keeping an overall view of myself, it doesnt mean not evaluating and growing and changing, it just means recognizing my strong points and my weak points, my thoughts and principles, and sometimes i have to accept things about me that i dont like or would rather not have as part of my personality, and i have to accept that while i might not really like it, i am not willing to change it, just perhaps alter it when needed
for instance, i dont like rudeness and nasty arguments, i dont like to be that way, i think that it is wrong, but i accept the part of me that will "sink" to that level when i am really angry and feel wronged and feel i am treated in a rude way. i certainly could stop myself, shut my mouth, when those occasions occur, but i dont!
that to me is total acceptance of yourself, the great, the good, the bad, and the down right ugly

Answer 2

I try face all that I have been and what I am right now :)) it is extremely difficult to make your own decisions and think for yourself and stand firm in life we have to face certain realities in our lives that can be sad painful depressing but it helps us grow as a human being in the long run and gives us hope and peace and endurance..embrace the good and bad and before you know it hahehe you will become balanced somehow in this life if you face the truth of who you are an your situation ans say I have always done the best I can for me & I do not have to change for anyone :)))

Answer 3

That is a very insightful question as it seems to be a catch-phrase of our world today.
When l coach my clients, we learn that acceptance has to do with how we see ourselves at a very deep level. Often, we have held on to past hurts and re-played them over and over in our minds. Eventually this builds a pathway to memories that are often dramatized and give us feelings that do not help us in achieving our goals.

If you can find ways to bring forth these elements in your memory, and re-frame them as non-truths, inaccurate, and not part of who you are, then you are releasing the barriers that are stopping you to self-acceptance.

Inside all of us, we have a spiritual core of love and acceptance. It is simply a matter of connecting with that which is within your self, and to spend time and learn to really truly understand that your thoughts have nothing to do with who you are. They are simply obstacles that you can remove when you want to.

By accepting others around you, you can extend the acceptance to yourself at a deep and profound level. In this you can make a lasting change in the world which will be a better place, simply by your existance.
Thanks for the opportunity to answer this wonderful question!
Jennifer Noble, LifeSuccess Consultant

Answer 4

I am trying to learn ways to remind myself, because most of my life has been spent trying to help and support others. Often I do way too much, but neglect myself in the process. Recently a family friend died and everyone at her funeral was saying how she just lived for everyone else and that is what she really wanted to do. Also, she became quite religious in her later years (Chrisitan). But to be honest, I am wondering if she did so very much because she was not supported and loved enough by her own family and friends. God is always there (at least theoretically) to help when people fail you.
Personally, I try to remind myself that the little girl inside me got a bad deal, and she needs and deserves my full love and respect.

Answer 5

God has given each and every human being a gift. a gift that only he or she has and the the others may or may not have. look deeper into knowing yourself and learn what God has given you.

the way towards happiness is accepting what you are and not pretending what you are not. you'd only complicate your life if you do not accept what you are and trying to be somebody else.

let me give you an example. God has given you a gift of answering all questions posted here in yahoo and being recognized as one of the best answerers. others may not have it but since you have that ability, use it to the fullest and help other people who are in need of answers. if you don't have this talent, then don't pretend to be one. instead, just be happy helping others by answering questions. that way, you'll not complicate yourself by aiming to be like other people.

just be yourself no matter what situation you are into. use what God has given you to your fullest potential. and most of all, use it not only for recognition but to help and serve others as well.

Answer 6

We imagine the separation of self from the oneness...we think its protecting, but every need to protect arises from fear. All walls are destructive in a way, and at the same time it's all perception as to whether or not be see them as helping or hindering. For example, the walls of the American settlers destroyed the native American tribes from being looted and cheated out of the homeland; walls around gardens destroy the "native" animals from eating the farmer's food. Walls around a heart work the same way. We all open ourselves when we feel its safe to do so.

Answer 7

You "accept" yourself by concentrating on building your strengths and learning to live with or working around your weaknesses. It means that instead of constantly trying to pick on yourself and trying to change into someone you are not, you are happy to try to be the best that you can be given who you are.

Answer 8

Accepting the self is the knowledge of how small and unimportant one really is. It is accepting that one really knows nothing and is a frail being on a small planet that rotates a midsized star which is on the outskirts of an average galaxy.

Answer 9

I never "accept" myself as I am. I believe that I can change every day and become a better person. I accept what I am becoming as a person. To accept means to be ok with what you are or who you are...flaws and all!

Answer 10

To care next to nil about what others think and that you are really ok with what you have and are.