(Mental Health) In Search of Acceptance: Lessons on Loving Yourself Anyway

In life, there are people who will accept you. On the other hand, there are people who won't. In fact, that is their right and prerogative. The good news is that you won't die, go blind, go deaf... because someone decides not to embrace you, your behavior, your personal choices, or practices. The way to be happy is to focus on the people who care for you and support you rather than fixating your attention on people who don't agree with or accept you. It is spiritually and emotionally damaging to give people the power to control your emotions. Make the effort to first love yourself despite what you perceive as your flaws, mistakes or imperfections. Then, set out to find like-minded people who will love you just the way you are. Of course, it's good to work on changing things that can improve your life, but you don't have to "earn" someone else's acceptance.  Be you. Strive to be your best self. Be grateful for the people who love the imperfect you and don't worry about the people who don't.