Self-Acceptance

By Leon F Seltzer Ph.D. (PsychologyToday.com): Self-acceptance is not the same as self-esteem. Whereas self-esteem refers specifically to how valuable, or worthwhile, we see ourselves, self-acceptance alludes to a far more global affirmation of self. 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. Read on to understand more about self-acceptance.

By Alan Mallory (AllanMallory.com): As we can see, self-acceptance is a bit complicated, but oh-so-achievable! Doing the best we can, not judging others, and being good to ourselves and the people around us helps us score quite high on the self-acceptance (and self-confidence) meter. When we take the time to really know ourselves, feel good about ourselves and respect ourselves, we are well on our way to finding more happiness and fulfillment.

By Srini Pillay, MD (Health.Harvard.edu): Some people with low self-acceptance try to bolster it by accomplishing great things. But this only helps your self-esteem for a while. That’s because achievement is a poor substitute for intimacy. In addition, these people are often under the impression that “taking it” when suffering is the main reflection of their value. It’s hard for them to believe in genuine caring, and when it does come their way, they are suspicious of it. Of course, self-acceptance (or lack thereof) does not exist in a vacuum — it actually has profound effects on your physical and psychological health. For that reason, it is worth understanding what these effects are, and what you can do about it.

By Jeffrey T. Guterman, PhD.(PsychCentral.com): Much of the field of mental health seems intent on understanding self-image problems in terms of low self-esteem. It logically follows that a solution is to work toward increasing self-esteem. This makes sense on the surface. When people have high self-esteem, they usually feel better about themselves. From my clinical experience, however, increasing self-esteem is a temporary solution because it perpetuates the underlying problem: an irrational philosophy of self-rating. I suggest the key to a healthier self-image is self-acceptance, not self-esteem.

By Thomas Oppong

University of Hertfordshire (ScienceDaily.com): Happiness is more than just a feeling; it is something we can all practice on a daily basis. But people are better at some 'happy habits' than others. In fact, the one habit that corresponds most closely with us being satisfied with our lives overall -- self-acceptance -- is often the one we practice least.

By Laura Ceppelli (LauraCeppelli.com): Self Acceptance is where is all begins. Be mindful of how you talk to yourself as you go about your day. Do you berate your self constantly? Do you compare yourself to others? Do you call yourself names even?