Truth: You don’t have to compromise yourself to be loved and accepted

Many of us believe that by not saying what we need, or morphing into someone we’re not, it will cause people to love and accept us. So we don’t speak up, deny our needs and then wonder why 1) we feel so miserable 2) we still aren’t getting the love we and acceptance we crave.

Ugh. Feeling like that totally sucks. I’ve been down that road and honestly still struggle with it. For me, it’s been a process of breaking down years of conditioning and long-term trauma. And what I’ve learned - and am still learning - is that the more I love and accept myself for who I am, the more secure I feel in not compromising my needs. The less I chase outwardly for approval because I love and accept who I am. The turbulence of searching outward is tempered with the peace I feel within.

And all of this takes a hot while! It’s a process. If you are just starting down this road, be patient with yourself and take small steps toward self-compassion. Small, loving steps toward yourself, your needs and your healing. You deserve love and acceptance from others, but most importantly from yourself.