A Journey of Self-Acceptance
Do I know the real me?
Can I hear the real me?
Can I accept the real me?
These three simple yet profound questions invite us to pause and reflect. In the rush of life, we often lose touch with our authentic selves -drowned out by expectations, noise, and doubt.
Am I the image I see in the mirror? Am I how other people describe me? Or, am I the voice coming from within? Take a moment to listen. Embrace your strengths, your flaws, your uniqueness. True growth begins with knowing, hearing, and accepting who you are.
Spending time with yourself doesn’t have to feel lonely or intimidating. You don’t need to constantly fill the silence with activities.
To truly connect with your inner self, try taking yourself out on a date — just you and your thoughts. Keeping an honest track of our thoughts and emotions, without any judgement, helps us recognise and admit something about ourselves or about the situation which we may be avoiding or denying. Objective observation of thoughts and emotions also help us recognise patterns in our experiences.
Increased self-awareness leads to enhanced self-acceptance and emotional regulation.
Here’s a simple yet effective exercise to enhance self-awareness and self-acceptance. All you need is your journal, a pen, and an open mind. Take a few quiet moments to reflect and explore your thoughts without judgement.
Self-Awareness & Self-Acceptance Exercise
- Find a Comfortable Space
Choose a quiet, distraction-free place—perhaps a cozy corner at home or a peaceful spot in nature. - Observe Your Thoughts Without Judgment
Let your thoughts flow freely. Avoid controlling or analysing them. Simply notice each thought and write it down in a single sentence.
Examples:
- I am having thoughts about what my friend said to me today.
- I am thinking about the presentation I have to give tomorrow.
- I am noticing thoughts about the vacation planned for next month.
Continue this for about five minutes, listing each thought as it arises.
- Reflect on Your Emotions
Now, go through your thoughts one by one. Recall the emotions each experience evokes. Write them down objectively, without judgment.
Examples:
- I feel sad and angry about what happened at school today. I feel betrayed because my friend didn’t stand up for me.
- I feel nervous about my presentation because I’m unsure if I’ll meet my boss’s expectations.
- I feel excited about my upcoming vacation. I’m relieved that my family agreed to my plans.
- Acknowledge & Accept Your Feelings
Rather than labelling your emotions as “good” or “bad,” simply acknowledge them. Mentioning the emotions helps us process them objectively, reducing unnecessary anguish.
By observing thoughts and emotions without guilt or shame, we cultivate clarity, emotional resilience, and self-compassion. - Embrace Self-Awareness & Self-Acceptance
Regular practice of mindful reflection strengthens our connection with our authentic selves. Set aside a time of the day for the same. Over time, this fosters greater inner balance, purpose, and fulfilment.
Are you ready to meet the real you?
Self-awareness is a journey. Approach it with patience and kindness.
Tarang Wellness 