This past week I have been evaluating self-acceptance. After the first two weeks of the 2017 Kindness Challenge, I have a better perspective of who I am and how I feel about it. I have always tried to be what my mom raised me to be. A good wife, mother, nurse and the list goes on and on. However, I have to admit that what my idea of each of these things is quite different from what other’s ideas are. My husband, for example, began our marriage comparing what I did with what his mother did. Because of my basic personality, I rejected this immediately. But if I am really honest I did feel as if I was not what he expected and felt badly about it.
There are so many aspects of my life that I felt that I didn’t measure up and disappointed my parents, husband, children, co-workers, etc. I don’t think I ever thought much about it before this challenge. I have come to the realization that I probably wouldn’t have had an ulcer if I had. I guess that says a lot huh?
I have decided to actively let go of all of those guilty feelings about not measuring up to what everyone else thinks I should be. I will accept my looks, my weight, my talent, my work ethic, my parenting style, and everything else that makes me who I am one day at a time and one issue at a time.
I am a work in progress. The operative word being progress. I feel as long as I am making progress I will eventually get there.
Wanda
Cookies & Moo 
Very brave to see this. Good for you.
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The first step of acceptance is always the hardest, but you sound like you want to make changes so that will make it easier, good luck, you can do it.
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I know that I will, thanks for your encouraging words.
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Oh I know that feeling of guilt all too well. It is the realization that you have been trying to fit into someone else’s version of their life that will be a valuable first step. Now you have a place to start from, a place to decide what gifts you bring to their lives, rather then what gifts you feel like you have to have. And I know there is plenty you have to give (that might even be greater than what anyone could have asked for).
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Seriously Wanda – I’m totally cheering and celebrating you!
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Thank you!
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I absolutely love how you ended this post with the acceptance that you are a work in progress. What a wonderful work you are, Wanda! I’m so glad this challenge could support you on this journey you’re on. I encourage you to continue on this journey and seek out the resources that will help to support you as you go along. I’m so happy that you found this challenge and incorporated it into your life the way you have. Wishing you all that you need to support you as the path unfolds. ❤
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Measuring myself up to other people. That’s a big one and I doubt I’ll overcome this any time soon. I’ll keep trying!! I’ve been trying to loose at least 20 lbs (for years it seems!) and the scale doesn’t budge. It’s time I just accept that my expectations might be too high. 😉
http://www.meinthemiddlewrites.com
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I have always struggled with my weight. I figure if I am healthy, I shouldn’t worry what the scale says.
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I’m trying to let go of the delusion that I’ll one day lose a lot – Getting on the scale every morning and believing I’ll be surprised by the needle going down. 😀 I’ll be content that the needle doesn’t go UP!
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