“One has just to be oneself.
That’s my basic message.
The moment you accept yourself as you are,
All burdens, all mountainous burdens,
simply disappear.
Then life is a sheer joy,
a festival of lights.”
Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh
Indian spiritual master

We constantly hear this same message over and over again. I am sad to say that if we accept ourselves as we are live becomes easier.

Your response might be, “I tried to accept myself and then I hear this little voice in my head screaming, “Who are you trying to kid, you are still fat, can’t lose weight, and get it through your head nothing will ever change.” The thoughts go on and on…

What can you do differently to let the thoughts continue and still at the same time accept yourself? This change in behavior takes time and can be accomplished by practicing small steps daily.

Some of the small steps you can take:

• When a thought enters your mind and starts screaming critical things about you. Picture a STOP sign and instantly say outloud, “I am in the process of… Example: Thought, “I can’t go to the party tonight because I gained twenty pounds.” Picture a STOP sign. Then say out loud, “I am in the process of losing weight and have lost 5 pounds.”

The idea is to change the thought and accept yourself as you are.

• Only wear clothes that fit. I know times are financially difficult for you right now. On the other hand, if you buy one or two inexpensive outfits that makes you feel attractive, it can make a world of difference.

By feeling comfortable in your clothes you will automatically accept yourself and feel attractive.

• Look at your face in the mirror and smile. Focus on the color of your eyes, your smile and say out loud, “You are beautiful, charming and a gift to the world.”

When we acknowledge who we are it gives us a sense of well being and then we start to accept who we are.

• Be kind to yourself. This maybe the hardest step and the one that is the most beneficial. You have a choice to either take an action that will hurt or help you. Example: You have a choice to either say something hurtful to someone or acknowledge them. By acknowledging the person, it gives them a feeling of acceptance and brings a smile to their face. You will also smile and feel good.

When others feel appreciated you start to accept yourself as a loving person.

Now it is your turn to experiment.

For the next four days try one or all of the steps above and see what happens. Please let the Love Yourself – It Matters! Community know what happens and whether you are feeling more accepting about yourself.

My special wish for you is to enjoy the holidays without any stress. As a gift to you, I have created a short video as a reminder to treat yourself with love.

When you can, take some time out to relax and watch a brief (under 2 minutes) video by clicking this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBxaeqrQoMM

Enjoy!

Helen