Does that title make you cringe? It made me cringe when it popped into my head a few days ago.
We don't like to think about our "ugly parts," do we? By ugly parts of course I mean those aspects of ourselves we perceive to be less than perfect. For some it might be physical flaws like acne, jiggly thighs or a persistent pot belly no matter how many hours we spend in the gym. For others there may be emotional issues like fears, phobias or low self-esteem.
One lesson I keep having to learn over and over in my own life is that the more I resist these aspects of myself, the more I hate them and push them away and try to ignore them, the bigger and more dominant they become. My resistance gives them power over me.
What if we stopped pushing away these aspects of ourselves? What if we (gasp!) accepted them, loved them, embraced them? What happens to them?
For most of my adult life, I've been a cat owner (or I should say, they owned me). Several of them were strays when I took them in, and they were in terrible shape. Covered in fleas, worm infestations, coat and eyes dull. Part of it was their physical health and lack of proper diet, which I remedied over the following weeks. But on a deeper level, these animals were starving for love and affection. I eased that too, by petting them, talking to them, conveying with and without words that they mattered, they were worthy of being loved deeply and fully. And they responded to that.
As the weeks went by, a light would begin to shine in their eyes. They would become more playful and seem happier and more content. Eventually, they no longer resembled the tattered creatures that had come through my door. They were glowing with life and vitality. Their coats became soft and silky, their eyes were bright and alert and they seemed genuinely at peace. Love Transforms. It's as simple as that. Anyone who has loved deeply or has been loved deeply can attest to that.
So how does that apply to our "ugly parts?" What would happen if we loved them and embraced them? Would they transform into something more beautiful? Maybe, maybe not. Those parts of ourselves may exist for a reason, and we may not be able to change them. However, if we can't transform those, maybe we can still transform our perception of them. They will no longer appear "ugly" to us. They simply become one small aspect of our total selves. These individual aspects are not good or bad, they just are.
Loathing certain parts of ourselves is like refusing to look at a rainbow because we don't like the color green. If you like the other colors, you can accept the green at least, right? A rainbow wouldn't be complete without the color green. If we are to accept ourselves, we need to accept ALL parts of ourselves. Some of them we may be able to improve over time, and others we might not. And that's okay.
The important thing is to become at peace with ourselves, rather than fighting these ridiculous battles day after day. We need to embrace ourselves, nurture ourselves and love ourselves. In doing so, we will be transformed, on one level or another.
Wendy Betterini is an inspirational writer who strives to motivate, uplift, and inspire you to make your dreams a reality. Visit her website, http://www.wingsfortheheart.com for more positive thoughts to help you on your journey.
Willow Springs limo O'Hare .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareWhen someone thinks of a person with self-esteem most people... Read More
In order for you to make positive ground daily you... Read More
Positive Affirmations are things we say to ourselves that build... Read More
Occasionally people will ask me how I keep a positive... Read More
I've had several coaching clients come to me who, while... Read More
There are times that we encounter fearful thoughts that can... Read More
"We can change our circumstances by a mere change of... Read More
Most of us carry on a running internal dialogue at... Read More
In talking with a coaching client recently, she made a... Read More
Often when radical change occurs in our lives we feel... Read More
The late Norman Vincent Peale was a controversial preacher who... Read More
If we are the products of our attitudes then it... Read More
Kasia is a talented landscape designer who speaks several languages,... Read More
Some people are full of confidence and able to meet... Read More
Not Amen, just so we're clear on that.AND.The little connector... Read More
We all need encouragement. Even the most callous, hard headed... Read More
So, is this really where you thought you'd be? You're... Read More
Can you do something for me?Tell me?Please don't think tomorrow.What?Yeah,... Read More
"There is an infinitely worthier subject for philosophers (to study)... Read More
Imagine what your life would be like if you could... Read More
Do you realize how good you have it? Yes, everyone... Read More
Year after year I find more and more individuals saying... Read More
Believe me, today is the most wonderful day of your... Read More
There was some sunshine this weekend while I was writing... Read More
This week's wisdom is on the power of living in... Read More
group transportation logistics management Highland ..I don't want to say people are basically negative but?..if... Read More
Before we are able to use the Universal Thought System... Read More
There is a growing volume of research that shows' staying... Read More
Uncle Liam was very kind to me again. He gave... Read More
I've had several coaching clients come to me who, while... Read More
Life is an enigma...It starts without our knowledge, grows without... Read More
So, do you love yourself?Shouldn't really be a difficult question... Read More
THOUGHTS are powerful. The power of THOUGHTS cannot be underestimated.... Read More
The fear of success is more common than some might... Read More
Are you the kind of person who dwells on your... Read More
Life is the greatest roller coaster ride we will ever... Read More
I once heard the story of a grown bear that... Read More
I was always somebody who felt quite sorry for myself,... Read More
So how do we find meaning? The first step is... Read More
Most of what we've been taught about how to be... Read More
Say aloud:I AM. I AM Consciousness. I AM the creator... Read More
There is an old joke about a man who is... Read More
The way we use language can have a huge impact... Read More
If you suffer with or have in the past suffered... Read More
If I say the word "CHANGE" how do you feel?... Read More
What is a paradigm? In my own words, a paradigm... Read More
There are countless books that describe success principles. Here are... Read More
P.M.A - so what is it? Some people will automatically... Read More
I have had many confidence issues in my life, all... Read More
As a trainer of coaches I often teach my students... Read More
Positive Attitude Tips |