The First Step toward Self-Acceptance

The first words out of her mouth were, “I am so tired of playing little!” 

And this was coming from someone who had very recently quit her day job, moved to her dream town, and became a full-time investor! Those close to her were in awe of her commitment and courage as she made a bold move toward living her dream. 

But you see, once we get a little bit comfortable, we can hear the whisper of the next piece of our brilliance which tickles us and teases us toward an even bigger destination. 

In so many ways, my clients are also my teachers. I often hear those same words echoing in my head (about being tired of playing little). But when those words are coming at me loud and clear from someone else, it’s time to sit up and take notice. Where am I still playing little? Where am I hiding out? Where do I play it safe?

I’ve mentioned more than once in my blogs and emails (probably even more than 5 times) that I know what it’s like to live life in neutral. I know what it’s like to have forgotten my dreams, my potential, and my possibilities.

And I experience some regret that I may have taught my daughter (by my example) how to settle and put her dreams on hold. And that really hurts!

But here’s some good news (great news, even). It’s never to late to start. Because, let’s face it, you have to start somewhere.

For me, it was a decision to stop hiding behind a mask of “perfection” or continuously living in my “good box.” I had a lot of fear and uncertainty about who I would be without these labels to define me and I wondered if anyone would like the ‘me’ that was full of flaws and self-doubt.

Yet, I knew that the labels and boxes I lived in were keeping me away from brilliance and my genius. The labels and boxes were keeping me away from ….well, me!

The first thing I had to do was to make a commitment to honor, respect, and accept myself. And this was my first step toward a sense of self-worth that wasn’t dependent on anything external to me.

Is there something you can commit to that will move you forward in greater self-acceptance or self-love?

The commitment must come first even if you don’t know how you’re going to do it. There is a scene in the third Indiana Jones movie in which Indy must step out into thin air, in a gesture of commitment, before a bridge magically appears before his feet. Even Moses had to step into the Red Sea (and get wet) before it parted (according to Midrash). Things may just begin to open up for you once you make a commitment. 

Ask yourself these questions:

1. What do I love to do? When do you feel like you are in the flow? What can you spend hours doing and the time just flies? 
2. What do I do that gives me the greatest amount of satisfaction? This may not be something you do for a long period of time. It may be planting seeds, it may be writing in your gratitude journal, it may be having an encouraging conversation with someone. But, when you do it, you get great satisfaction.
3. What is my unique ability? I love to ask people, “What did you get in trouble for when you were a kid?” Often, that’s a key to our talents, abilities, and joy. What are you doing when you are at your best?

By answering these questions, you might be able to come up with something you can commit to that will help you step into your own brand of brilliance and genius. If there is any part of you that feels like you are hiding out, playing it safe, playing little, or not living full out, then it’s time to commit to changing that.

Don’t wait (or waste) another minute to be the amazing you that you are!

Say “YES” to yourself and come out of hiding!

Meet Janet:

Hi, I’m Janet and I’m all about helping you to awaken to your value, wholeness, and connection to the divine. And I do this by teaching and guiding you back to the truth of who you are and who you came here to be. Left to our own devices, most of us don’t know how to begin or where to start. We can’t see beyond our blind spots. That’s where I come in.

With decades of coaching, teaching, and mentoring success, I bring my clients what they need to crush their excuses so they can amplify their impact, boost their self-confidence, connect with their calling, and live their aligned life.