Lifting your Self-Esteem through Self-Acceptance: Part I

Millions of women, all over this world, struggle with low self-esteem.   Many are as a result of emotional, physical, mental and/or sexual abuse.  Many times the abusers are family members or loved ones whom these women trusted, loved and relied upon to keep them safe.   The ladies of the MGS Sister Circle discussed the issue of self-esteem and some of the ways to begin raising your self-esteem.  One of these ways was through self-acceptance which is defined as “an individual’s satisfaction or happiness with oneself, and is thought to be necessary for good mental health. Self-acceptance involves self-understanding, a realistic, albeit subjective, awareness of one’s strengths and weaknesses.”  Shepard (1979).  In her post on psychcentral.com Margarita Tartakovsky, M.S. shared 12 ways in which clinicians suggest self-acceptance can be cultivated.  The ladies of the Circle discussed the first six of these ways during our gathering on March 3, 2016.  They are:

1. Set An Intention – set an intention to be willing to live a life that is more positive, fulfilling and worthy
2. Celebrate Your Strength – identify your accomplishments, hardships you’ve overcome, goals achieved
3. Consider the People Around You – surround yourself with positive people rather than negative people who co-sign your negativity
4. Create A Support System – create a support system of people who are productive and uplifting (like the MGS Sister Circle!)
5. Forgive Yourself – don’t allow past hurts and regrets to keep you stuck in a cycle of negative thinking
6. Shush Your Inner Critic – quiet that inner harsh and judgmental voice by developing a positive mantra (I am authentic, I am worthy, I accept me)

The ladies of the Circle challenged each other to answer the call of the first six ways.   I must say it’s a daunting challenge as we tend to lean towards negative thinking more readily than positive thinking.  I can’t wait to continue the discussion in our next gathering of the MGS Sister Circle.  Stay tuned for Part II of this discussion for the remaining 6 ways to cultivate self-acceptance.   Until then…Be Well!

The MGS Sister Circle meets every other Wednesday evening at 6:30pm.  Call us at (754) 999-0410 for this month’s dates.  Like MGS Counseling and Therapy Services on Facebook for information and updates on future gatherings, topics and guest speakers.

BY-Shari W