By Michelle May, M.D. My yoga teacher said, “Whatever you practice, you get good at. If your habit is to compare, judge, and criticize yourself, then you’ll get better and better at it. You will strengthen your habit.” That really resonated with me. I had subjected myself to 25 years of yo-yo dieting fueled by rejection of my Self. Wishing I were somehow different and focusing on numbers like calories and pounds only distracted me from living my life fully. Unfortunately, many of us have been convinced that this is the only way, and that we somehow deserve a life focused on what we eat and what we look like instead of living our lives. We waste a tremendous amount of energy beating ourselves up—energy that could otherwise be poured into building relationships, accomplishing other meaningful goals, or simply enjoying life. I am so over that. Along my personal and professional journey, I’ve learned that self-acceptance breeds self-care. While it may seem counterintuitive, I also discovered that self-acceptance is the starting line for change. Now I choose to practice loving my Self gently, compassionately, mindfully, and persistently. Do you love the one you spend the most time with? Want to learn how? Please join us on a six step journey to self-acceptance so you can create a new habit and truly “love the one you’re with!” Beginning today and ending on Valentine’s Day (how apropos), we will share the six steps on our blog, Facebook page, Twitter, and Pinterest! Please share the love by retweeting, sharing, and commenting! Start by sharing your comments on our blog: http://amihungry.com/self-acceptance-become-aware/ Is your habit to compare, judge, and criticize yourself? Do you struggle with loving – or even accepting yourself as you are? Why?
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