A powerful step toward self-acceptance involves a shift from trying to accept every aspect of ourselves—a daunting task for anyone—to simply acknowledging the traits we deem negative, such as those we consider not “good, acceptable, worthy, or respectable.” Imagine recognizing these emotions as they occur, by saying, for instance, “Anger is here.” This perspective helps us see anger as a transient state rather than an identity, reminding us that we are not consistently one thing. By accepting the presence of these emotions as they arise, we make a significant stride toward deeper self-acceptance and enrich our human experience.
