Acceptance

It is what we all want, isn’t it? We want to be accepted for who we are; good and bad, strengths and weaknesses- unconditionally. I wonder how often we surround ourselves with people who are willing to give this to us, who believe in us, who are willing to say that they ultimately want the same thing. We’re starving. What we crave is that person-to-person contact, with friends and with family members; to have our opinions respected, to be cared for, to be loved and admired for being an individual, for being ourselves.

Most of us grow up in a world where we hear, “no”, “because I said so”, “be careful”, “don’t think that”, “don’t feel that way”, and “keep it to yourself”. It is no wonder that we don’t believe that we deserve to be accepted just as we are. Our children are fearful that they will disappoint us if they don’t act, believe or achieve in the way they think we expect them to. How does that seed get planted? And, they carry those thoughts and feelings on just as we might have in our own lives. We are capable of providing unconditional acceptance for each other. So, when we have the individual power to provide that for each other, I wonder what holds us back. What might keep you from giving one of the most important gifts, in life, to someone you hold dear to you? Is it the fear that you may not get it in return? Is it not really being aware of how you present yourself to others? It is of no direct monetary value (although research may prove differently) yet it can keep us from living our lives unencumbered from the fear of continual judgment of others.

Look for people who are willing to give you what you need. Develop the skills that allow you to pass this on to others. Then, take the personal responsibility to redirect your current relationships as you pay it forward for future generations.