Why do we feel the need for "acceptance"?

George Orwell once said . . . "Happiness can "only" exist in "Acceptance"!

So my question for today is this . . . Is the reason so many are unhappy with life today because they haven't truly "accepted" themselves first?

You see . . . "true acceptance" is the ability to unconditionally "value" all parts of who you are! Whether it be the good in us or the parts that need repair.

So what is this "acceptance" that the human race so longs for?

Unfortunately, we look for this approval from others because we feel they will make us whole. And therefore, allow us to feel at peace in our lives. But is that really the answer?

Acceptance from others is only a short term fix. We feel in that moment an accomplishment. We feel happy someone likes us or likes what we've done. But when that moment passes . . . as moments do . . .

We are left "still" feeling the need for this "acceptance"!

As I watch the news of today and see what this great country is going through . . .

All I see are people looking for this feeling of "acceptance" . . . BUT . . . in all the wrong places.

Some protest looking for "acceptance". Some speak of color looking for "acceptance". Some seek financial gain for "acceptance". And some reach for power to feel their "acceptance".

So why can't people of today accomplish their mission of this feeling?

Simply said . . . they haven't "truly accepted" themselves first

And if "we" can't accept ourselves . . . how can others?

If we can't accept who we "truly" are . . . acceptance of life and situations will only create problems. Hence the turmoil of today.

"Self-acceptance" is the road to "all" change!

As a human race . . . we all have the desire to feel safe and secure, and human behavior revolves around this need for physical and emotional security. So feeling "approved of" makes us feel secure with ourselves as a person. BUT . . . true and "self-acceptance" is not something that can be forced or "given" to you!

That needs to come from "within"! Therefore, we need to accept that we've made mistakes and that we have flaws, but we should by no means, let that define who we are.

Mental health is such an important element of today, especially with what we're living through. This pandemic, stay at home orders, loss of loved ones, rioting, the destruction of our history, businesses closing or destroyed. And yes, even the senseless loss of lives.

In these conditions and circumstances . . . we become even more doubtful of our self-worth. If we don't have "self-acceptance" there is no "self-understanding", Therefore, there is no awareness of our "strengths". Only of our "dependance" for this acceptance from others.

I know this is a difficult task because to do this, we must give up the fantasy that the "acceptance" of others, holds the "power to our happiness".

So please stay strong and love yourself. Find a way to "validate" and "accept" who you really are, not who others want you to be . . . and with this , , , life will become complete.

As always, feel free to contact me here