But what if today we just owned a small part of ourselves?
What if we accepted a certain part — maybe even appreciated it?
What if we declared — maybe even out loud — that such and such part is OK?
Starting small is the idea. Accepting bits and pieces about ourselves and saying “I’m OK with that”. Recovery is learning to love ourselves, accepting ourselves as we are. To NOT compare ourselves with everyone else and to believe we are always on the ‘loser’ end.
So for me:
- I want to write a bestseller. I’m OK with that.
- I am smart and academic. I’m OK with that.
- I am insecure about myself. I’m OK with that. I’m learning to be OK with that.
- I am proud of my ability to have kept my kids safe, mistakes included. I’m OK with that.
- I am a tech geek. I am OK with that.
- I am romantic and hoping to fall in love again. I’m OK with that.
- I am probably going to have depression for the rest of my life. I’m OK with that. TRULY!
- I am a bit OCD. I’m OK with that.
Mention your likes and dislikes, your personality traits, your looks, your contradictions. Mention the seemingly small and the really big.
Start with a few words, if that feels more comfortable. Or write a paragraph, if you like. Or even an entire page. Keep it to yourself or share it with someone you trust. Meditate on it. Pray about it. Read it to a therapist.
This is you owning yourself. On your terms.
