As I prepared to write this blog I am struggling with what to even write about! I threw around some ideas, went back to my list of ideas I had generated a few months ago and……nothing. Then I had some quiet time reflecting on the last couple of weeks and I was led to some amazing exchanges with not only clients but my own support system. These moments were such sweet reminders of how valuable and healing it can be to have people in your life come alongside you and believe in you when you struggle, see your greatness when you are blinded by insecurity or shame, and challenge you far beyond what you believe you are capable of.
What a powerful gift we have to be that to those in our lives. We are the most effective at this when we are authentic. Especially in the midst of shame or insecurity we often try to be someone we are not. We want to be like the moms we see on Facebook or the friends that balance it all everyday with grace and poise. We try to be like them in constant comparison. But what healing comes when we realize we are unique and leave the moment of comparison behind. When we compare ourselves to others or become laden with insecurity we limit our greatness and diminish the gifts unique to us we have to love those around us. What a journey it can be to stop the comparison and judgement of ourselves but what a gift we give ourselves when we can!
I would love to tell you self-acceptance is like an on/off switch where you just decide one day that you are done with comparison, insecurity, and shame but unfortunately it is more like a dimmer switch. There are days and sometimes seasons where we stay in this longer than we want to but being aware of this battle and focus small daily reminders of who we are and our strengths can help us find this self-acceptance.
It is my hope and prayer we can seek this self-acceptance through tackling those things we need to change, show ourselves grace in the process, and ultimately find peace self-acceptance can bring. In this journey surround yourself with those support systems who will champion you in your efforts and strive to provide the same love in return. Walking in our journeys with each other can facilitate such authentic moments of connection with friends, family, and loved ones while we encourage each other in our struggles and celebrate our victories!
Rebecca