The Power of Acceptance: Embracing Acceptance and Self-Discovery

A huge turning point was when I faced up acceptance. I know I still have a long way to go but taking that first step of acceptance was like pulling back the curtain. By admitting that things are not OK, I am not OK, and that things can be better, I could finally let the light in.

It was accepting that I was sick

Admitting that to myself. Accepting that this is not something that is going to go away, it's not a circumstantial thing. It's not something that a new outlook or a new philosophy is going to change. It's not going to be fixed by downloading a new app, or changing my diet, or doing more exercise. It's something that requires treatment.

It was accepting that I need help

Asking for help is difficult, no one wants to admit that they are struggling. We often believe that we should be able to handle everything on our own, and that asking for help is an embarrassing sign of weakness or failure. But the truth is that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but an act of strength. It takes courage to acknowledge our own limitations.

It was accepting that I deserve help and that looking after myself is a priority

By asking for help, what we are saying is that our own well-being is important, that our own existence is important, and that we matter. For me this was difficult. My depression made me believe that I am just here to meet the needs of others and fulfil my obligations to them. But I forget about myself, that I also have to meet my needs and to fulfil my obligation to nurture my own well-being.

It was accepting that it's going to take time

It took a while to get to this place, and it's going to take a while to get out. I needed to accept, and I still need to constantly remind myself, that this is a process, a healing process. It will take time, but we will get there.

Accepting that things can get better

By accepting these things, I was able to bring kindness and compassion into my relationship with myself. I was able to see myself as someone worthy of love, care, and attention. And I was able to accept that however broken I feel right now, things can get better.

Accepting myself as someone new

The most beautiful thing from embracing this acceptance was the realisation that I didn't have to accept myself as that sick person. I could see that inside me there still is, and always was, a beautiful person. My journey now is only to rediscover that person. It feels like a fresh start, a blossoming love, full of hope.