To be accepting does not necessarily mean that you are settling for something less than you can do or be. Self-acceptance is agreeing with yourself that you're doing the best that you can at this very moment in time.

It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking, "If I knew then what I know now, I'd do things differently!" Rather than pondering "what if," focus on what you've learned from an experience and how that knowledge helps you today. When you think, feel, and live in harmony with God, you will find personal satisfaction and self-acceptance! And when you're accepting of yourself, you'll soon discover unlimited opportunities for that personal growth and awareness to continue.

You are God's beloved creation—a work in progress-a divinely inspired masterpiece continually evolving into something greater. You are created "in the image of God" (Gen. 1:27).

Take a moment for a personal assessment and ask yourself these questions:

• Does my Creator love me just as I am? The answer is yes. God's love for all of us is unconditional.
• Am I a friend to myself?
• Do I have any insecurities? If your answer is yes, identify those insecurities and begin exploring divine ideas, abilities, or gifts you can use to strengthen your awareness of what you are capable of doing and being.
• Have I ever allowed a situation to define my image of myself? If you've ever been fired from a job, had a relationship end suddenly, etc., you may find yourself thinking you are unworthy. Seeming failures are opportunities for growth and redirection.

Your faith will allow you to see yourself for who you truly are—a beloved child of God!

Affirmation: I accept myself as a child of God, created with talents and abilities that allow me to serve as only I can, wherever I may be.


More inspirational articles