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Kees Franse, Apples, 1973, Heemraadssingel in Rotterdam. One of the three apples is currently wrapped in orange plastic.
Self-love and self-acceptance often get mixed up. They are however two different things. Self-love has everything to do with taking really good care of yourself. You take your time to sleep and to relax. You take the time to connect with people who lift you up. You take the time to be with your loved ones. You nourish you.
Non-judgemental love
Self-acceptance is about meeting yourself where you are right now. This is where you are. Yes, you do see your flaws and you also see your strengths. There might be a part in you now that has a habit of judging yourself, hoping to get rid of the ‘bad parts’ as soon as possible.
Self-acceptance is the art of feeling unconditional love for all parts, including the so-called bad parts. It is the art of being present with yourself, for yourself. You are being present with your struggle, free of judgement.
Three guidelines
Self-love and self-acceptance are equally important as they are the ingredients of a life free of self-hatred and pain. Three things to keep in mind here:
1. Meet your body’s needs. Meet its needs for rest, for exercise and for healthy food.
2. Be present with what is going on on the inside. Are you feeling sad? Acknowledge you are and be present with the sad feeling so that it can heal.
3. Self-love and self-acceptance are well worth your attention. You need to love and heal yourself first before you can start to do your share in the world.
Are you looking for a group of fabulous women who are dedicating themselves to living wholeheartedly so that they can share their best work with the world? Join us at Transition Central. Together, we’ll take our next steps and incorporate self-love and self-acceptance into our lives. Make sure you register soon, as the doors are about to close.
Wondrously true, although I am dying from curiosity about the orange object in the picture. What is it? 🙂
It is an art piece from the 70’s, by the Dutch sculptor Kees Franse. He was known as the apple sawyer. If you look close at the picture, you can see two more apples at the other side of the small water. Here you see some more pictures of the work: http://www.bkor.nl/beelden/appels/. Thanks for asking, Joanne; I added a creditline to the image.