How does self-acceptance help you live your best life?

When people ask us what we want to improve ourselves, a long list of things comes to mind quickly. On the other hand, when we are asked what we love about ourselves, we need to dig deeper to discover what we like about ourselves. I have been on a journey of self-acceptance over the past few years. My strengths and flaws make me the unique person that I am. Accepting them has helped me feel whole and happier. I started seeing myself as a complete person with multiple facets.
 
In this blog post, we will explore how self-acceptance changes our outlook on life. This post continues our February series on loving ourselves.
 
Starting point: What does self-acceptance mean?

• Self-acceptance is defined as "an individual's acceptance of all of his/her attributes, positive or negative." It includes body acceptance, self-protection from negative criticism, and believing in one's capacities
  
• When we're self-accepting, we're able to embrace all facets of ourselves—not just the positive, more "esteem-able" parts. As such, self-acceptance is unconditional, free of any qualification. We can recognize our weaknesses or limitations, but this awareness in no way interferes with our ability to fully accept ourselves.
• the act or state of accepting oneself: the act or state of understanding and recognizing one's own abilities and limitations

 
The benefits of accepting ourselves
Many great things happen once we start the journey of self-acceptance.
 
#1: We are more confident
Knowing and accepting your strengths and weaknesses changes how you see yourself. You exude a high level of confidence in who you are. Although you know you are not perfect, you are perfectly fine with it.
 
#2: We know that failure or weaknesses do not define us
With our flaws, it is crucial to know that they are one aspect of who we are but not the entirety of our identity. We spend so much time focusing on our flaws and allowing them to overshadow our good traits. You are a whole person that has a lot of good to offer.
 
#3: We accept others more
One of the biggest challenges we face in relationships is wishing people to change and become more like a mental image of them. After we accept ourselves, it is very easy to accept others for who they are. We don't expect perfection from others and appreciate their whole beings.
 
#4: We are kind to ourselves
When we stop wishing we were someone else and accept who we are, we show ourselves more compassion. Our self-talk changes from constant critique to being more understanding and kind to ourselves. We focus more on our strengths and are not as hard on ourselves.
 
#5: We live to our full potential 
Believing that you are who you were meant to give your newfound energy. You go through life with a sense of positivity and hope. This change in perspective will fuel your life and help you accomplish more.
 
Final Thoughts - MC's Journey
A few years ago, I realized that self-acceptance is a gift that only I can give myself. I had gone through most of my life desiring traits that I saw in others. The constant thought of needing to get rid of my flaws to live a good life consumed my mind. It felt like I would never be the "perfect" person that I desired to be. One of the turning points was when I started spending more time getting to know my strengths. I felt energized by focusing on my strengths and celebrated who I was more. My perspective changed from thinking that my flaws defined me to embrace every aspect of my being.
 
Time for Reflection
What aspect of yourself do you want to accept?
How will you remind yourself to accept who you are daily?
How will you celebrate who you are?