The Journey to Self-Acceptance: Embracing Kindness Within

Throughout the day, we see and experience countless acts of kindness. Whether it be holding the door for someone, giving a compliment, or simply smiling at a stranger, these small gestures can make a big difference. Many of us have no problem being kind to others, but how about being kind to one person in particular: yourself. 

I think back to who I was a year ago and compare her to who I am today. One of the main things that changed was my ability to love and accept myself. In the past, I struggled with self-doubt and dissatisfaction, constantly wishing to be someone else.This self-hatred perpetuated a cycle of shame, isolation, and at times, depression. It took time to realize that the root of my unhappiness was a lack of self-acceptance. So, I focused on three things to improve myself: confidence, motivation, and inspiration.

When I say confidence, I mean being comfortable with how others perceive you. I used to let other people’s opinions dictate my choices—what I said, wore, and even liked. However, it took introspection and self-reflection to understand that conforming to others’ expectations meant sacrificing my identity. Being yourself doesn’t just mean doing what you want; it means embracing those choices with certainty. Cultivating confidence will allow you to live authentically and unapologetically.

My next challenge was my motivation. One of the easiest things to do was write my plans down on paper, but I found that I struggled with executing them in reality. I had made study plans, workout plans, and daily routines. However, to improve, I had to put in the work and be disciplined. I realized that without the right motive, I wouldn’t achieve my goals. So I found one: I wanted to improve myself in more ways than one. Discipline led me to advance physically, mentally, intellectually, and emotionally. What better motivation is there than reaching a state of self-actualization and, ultimately, acceptance?

My last struggle wasn’t just about me, it was about my environment. However, I realized that I created that environment. The people we surround ourselves with impact who we are immensely. There is one specific person that comes to mind when I say this: my best friend. She not only helped break me out of my shell, but also taught me to set achievable yet aspirational goals to grow. I now understand that her encouragement guided me towards focusing on the right priorities: my academic future and nurturing self-love through social connections. Together, her and I created a dynamic that allowed us to grow and support each other unconditionally. Without her as my inspiration, I wouldn’t have made such significant advancements in improving myself. 

As I continue forward, I encourage you to reflect on your own journey towards self-acceptance. Prioritize your well-being, cultivate environments that influence growth, and appreciate the power of kindness, both towards others and towards oneself. Remember, every step you take towards self-acceptance is a step forward to unlocking your true potential and embracing positive change within your life.