Daring to Accept Myself as I Am

"Finally, I am coming to the conclusion that my highest ambition is to be what I already am. That I will never fulfil my obligation to surpass myself unless I first accept myself, and if I accept myself fully in the right way, I will already have surpassed myself." – Thomas Merton

We so often try to hide, neglect, or reject the parts of ourselves we consider unacceptable. We tend to then spend a lot of energy trying to change ourselves for nothing.

Self-acceptance will lead us to change. This doesn’t mean that you ignore your weaknesses and sin, but instead, you become aware of who you are and then accept yourself as you are. Paul reminds us that God’s grace saves us as we are. Jesus is the one who makes us worthy, and if God accepts us as we are, we should accept ourselves. God works with what we are and not what we’re trying to be. Come to Jesus just as you are.

We become so much more in touch with the fact that we are God’s handiwork, when we accept ourselves as we are right now.

When I dare to accept myself, I become more authentic and discover what I truly desire. My desires shift and change all the time. However, my deepest desire — to be accepted, valued and loved — does not change. The way in which I seek their fulfilment, however, will change. I will not be pursuing who I am not, but accepting who I am, and relying more intentionally on God.

Exercise:

What part of yourself do you tend to hide, neglect, or reject? What part of yourself do you consider to be unacceptable? Talk to the Jesus about this.

Prayer:

I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with unfailing kindness. (Jeremiah 31:3)

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for loving me. Help me love You with all my heart, with all my soul and with all my mind.