a close up of a pink and yellow rose

Embracing yourself as you are is a beautifully simple yet profound concept. When you recognize and cherish your uniqueness, you’ll notice a ripple effect – others begin to appreciate you more, too. This self-acceptance is priceless and fundamentally right. Each of us is a unique tapestry of experiences and qualities, and that’s something to be celebrated!

When you cultivate gratitude for your own being, it naturally extends to other facets of life – health, family, friends – aspects often overlooked by many. Gratitude is like a magnet; it attracts people towards you. In contrast, a lack of gratitude can create a barrier, repelling others, except perhaps those who share a similarly negative outlook.

Consider the fleeting nature of life. In this brief journey, why not savor and appreciate your blessings? Your family’s love, the camaraderie of good friends, a fulfilling job – these are treasures. While it’s natural to aspire for more, like a higher income, balance that ambition with mindfulness. An overemphasis on financial gain can obscure the truly valuable aspects of life.

Embrace your imperfections. They’re not blemishes but marks of authenticity, shaping your identity and teaching vital life lessons. Some flaws require attention, especially those that harm you or others, but complete perfection isn’t the goal. Authenticity means not losing yourself in an unsustainable façade.

In a world rife with negativity, maintaining self-acceptance can be challenging. You might face criticism or lack of support, but remember, the issue lies with the critic, not you. Counteract this negativity by crafting personal affirmations – powerful reminders of your worth and a shield against external negativity.

If negative thoughts creep in, remember it’s never too late to shift your mindset. Focus on gratitude, especially for life’s seemingly small joys. It might be a challenge, but it’s a battle you can win. Surrounding yourself with grateful, positive individuals can be incredibly uplifting. Their energy is infectious, making life more enjoyable and reaffirming the value of a grateful heart.

Journal Prompts to Encourage Self-Acceptance and Appreciation

Use one or more of these prompts to start or deepen your personal journaling practice – give yourself time to think about what the prompt brings up for you and explore your feelings on paper. If you need a journal, click HERE to see our available journals.

  1. Reflect on a moment this week when you felt truly appreciative of yourself. What sparked this feeling?
  2. Write about a time when your authenticity positively impacted someone else.
  3. List five small joys in your life and explore why each is meaningful to you.
  4. Recall a situation where you overcame negativity with positivity. How did it change the outcome?
  5. Envision your ideal day where gratitude is your guiding principle. What does it look like?
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About the Author Dianne Daniels

Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, and currently residing in Norwich, Connecticut, Dianne M. Daniels' mission is to empower women 50+ to Amplify their Self-Confidence, Deepen their Self-Knowledge, Inspire Creativity, and Glide into the next phase of their lives with the Power of Journaling, Affirmations, and Assessments.

You can learn how to use these time-tested, proven practices to create and manifest the life you want (and deserve) to live.

Dianne is an ordained Unitarian Universalist Minister with a Master of Divinity degree from Starr King School for the Ministry. She's an avid reader, a lover of old houses (she renovated an 1850s vintage Greek Revival home with her family) and has been journaling since the age of 9.

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