There is great strength and wisdom in accepting who you are.

This thought of mine is twofold. One – who you are at this moment of your existence is simply who you have become based on your life experiences, family upbringing, peer choices, etc. All of these relationships and experiences have made you who you are today – no matter how “good” or “bad” you believe yourself to be. This is the “great strength” I speak of. You have made it through all sorts of situations and experiences and they have defined who you are as a person. It takes great strength to embrace this person for who he/she is.

Two – acceptance. Accept who you are and be gentle with the parts of yourself you do not like or understand. Are there parts of you that think “why did I do that?” or “why did I say that?” Have you offended or hurt someone by your actions, intentional or not? Apologize. It’s as simple as that – apologize and let that wound you created for yourself (and the other person) heal and bring you more wholeness, more self-acceptance.

Know that at your core you are "love." Also know that you are loved by many. – Much love, Amara