I am determined to get my own drink, but even on my toes it is a stretch. This came to mind reflecting on a thoughtful comment on my post about resolutions. Debbie pointed out that even accepting oneself takes diligence. I have been pondering that and realize she is right.
There are many forces telling us that we are not all right the way we are. Mr. Rogers used to tell his audience every day, “I like you just the way you are.” But his voice is drowned out by a myriad of others. In American culture women are constantly told they are too fat and too old. Any weight must be “attacked.” Any sign of aging—and at 70 I assure you there are many—must be camouflaged, botoxed, sliced or filled.
Then there are all the reverberations from our childhoods. It could be the parent comparing children, a teacher shaming a learning struggle, or bullying from other kids. All reinforced the message that we were not all right.
No wonder we can all join in the activity of self improvement, knowing we will find support. It’s harder to find Mr. Rogers in our life. But we can start by trying to accept ourselves, stretch though that is. And then we can try to find people in our lives who, even if they aren’t wearing Fred Rogers’ sweater, are truly glad we are ourselves.
Saved By Words 
Sad isn’t it that in the course of technology advancement we are left wondering what is happening to the world.
Accepting ourselves and everything it entails requires courage. Accepting other people as they are is even more daunting.
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They seem to come together for me. The more I accept myself, the easier it seems to be to accept others.
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True!
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Yes, it is only when we accept ourselves that others accept us. My son has the eye problem called Retinitis pigmentosa, from birth. He completed his PhD in Literature last year and is an Assistant professor. Over the years I have seen that he has accepted his problem and has confidence in himself. So others have confidence in him. Regards
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His acceptance also allows those who contact him to accept his eye condition.
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Accepting oneself can be a struggle. As you reader said it does take diligence. I must admit, through my life I have struggle. Many things have help me, including blogging. You learn who you are, if you are no putting on a facade. I believe that this is a life long lesson
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You also have to find friends who don’t want a facade in you.
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