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A man needs self-acceptance or he can't live with himself; he needs self-criticism or others can't live with him.
James A Pike (1913-1969) American Episcopal Bishop
One must have the adventurous daring to accept oneself as a bundle of possibilities and undertake the most interesting game in the world making the most of one's best.
Harry Emerson Fosdick (1878-1969) American theologian and author
Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don't mind.
Dr Seuss (see Dr Seuss books)
Seek respect mainly from thyself, for it comes first from within.
Steven H Coogler
Imposing harsh judgements on your body limits the range of experiences you allow yourself to enjoy. How many times has a wonderful day at the beach been tainted by your judgements about how you look in a bathing suit? Imagine how liberating it would be to happily walk across the warm sand without feeling self-conscious. Think of all the activities in your life that you have deferred until you look different, better, or perhaps even perfect.
There is much documented proof that the mind and body are connected, so acceptance of your body is not only essential for your emotional well-being, it is essential for your physical health as well. Denying your body complete acceptance can lead to illness, whereas practicing acceptance can heal disease. The drive for self-improvement is completely healthy as long as it comes from a place of self-love rather than a feeling of inadequacy.
Andrew Adler
I find that when we really love and accept and approve of ourselves exactly as we are, then everything in life works.
Louise Hay (see works by Louise Hay )
If you are of of those rare and fortunate people who already experience your body as perfect exactly as it is, with all its foibles and strengths, then you already embraced the lesson of acceptance and can fast forward to the next lesson. However, if any small part of you believes that you would be happier if you were thinner, taller, larger, firmer, blonder, stronger, or some other physical alteration you think would magically transform your life for the better, then you might want to spend some time learning about the value of true acceptance.
Acceptance is the act of embracing what life presents to you with a good attitude. Our bodies are among the most willing and wise teachers of this lesson. It can be like an ever-present benevolent guide or a lifelong cross you bear. The decision is yours based on how well you learn this lesson.
For many people, their body is the target for their harshest judgment and the barometer by which they measure their self worth. They hold themselves up to an unattainable standard and berate themselves for coming up short of perfection. Since your physical shape is the form in which you show up in the world, it is very often the way you define yourself, and often the way others define you.
Andrew Adler
The body you are given will be yours for the duration of your time here. Love it or hate it, accept it or reject it, it is the only one you will receive in this lifetime. It will be with you from the moment you draw your first breath to the last beat of your heart. Since there is no refund, no exchange policy on this body of yours, it is essential that you learn to transform your body from a mere vessel into a beloved partner and lifelong ally, as the relationship between you and your body is the most fundamental and important relationship of your lifetime. It is the blueprint from which all your other relationships will be built.
The challenge of the first rule is to make peace with your body, so that it can effectively serve its purpose and share its valuable lessons of acceptance, self esteem, respect, and pleasure. Everyone learns these lessons before they are able to journey successfully through life.
Andrew Adler
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