One of the biggest obstacles to self-acceptance is the belief that we need someone else’s approval to be enough. But the truth is, the only person who needs to accept you—is you.
It’s natural to want to be liked or respected. But when our worth is tethered to external validation, we give away our power. Self-acceptance is about reclaiming that power. It’s about knowing that your value isn’t up for debate. It doesn’t rise and fall with someone else’s opinion. It just is.
Next time you catch yourself trying to win someone’s approval, pause and ask, “Am I doing this because it feels right to me, or because I want to be accepted?” Your answer will tell you where your compass is pointing.
