Hello lovely readers and welcome back to Mindset Mondays! The only weekly post that believes you have to earn self-acceptance…
Following a 3-2-1 approach, it contains 3 thoughts from me (that you should ignore), 2 quotes from others (that you should read), and 1 thing I’ve been reading, watching or listening to this week that has helped me grow.
As a bonus I’ve finished with 1 joke that’s so bad, it’s good.
Let’s begin!
3 x Thoughts:
1) Something better than hoping your children have a happy life, is hoping they have the strength to deal with a difficult one.
2) Don’t give yourself the satisfaction of complaining. It’s like scratching a mosquito bite. It feels good initially, but only makes things worse. Think in terms of taking action, or practising acceptance instead.
3) You aren’t meant to deny your emotions, you’re meant to negotiate with them. You say, “I understand you don’t want to go for a run, I understand you feel tired, but think about how great you’ll feel afterwards – think about the sense of accomplishment you’ll get once you’re done!” If you ask me, the biggest secret when it comes to self-improvement is self-acceptance. This allows you to work with your emotions, instead of against them. This is also what it means to love yourself. You don’t try to become something more because you feel inadequate, you try to become something more because you love who you are and want to look after that person to the best of your ability.
2 x Quotes:
“Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.”
– John Wooden (Source: https://mindfulnessbits.wordpress.com)
“If you want to soar in life, you must learn to F.L.Y ( First Love Yourself )”
– Mark Sterling (Source: https://philosophyvia.photos)
1 x Thing:
This brilliant Ted Talk: How Great Leaders Inspire Action from the author of Start with Why, Simon Sinek. In this episode Simon explains the difference between leaders and those who lead using a simple but powerful model – starting with a golden circle and the question: “Why?” His examples include Apple, Martin Luther King Jr. and the Wright brothers. My favourite quote, “People don’t buy what you do, they buy why you do it.” I believe his model could just as easily be applied to the world of blogging. Well worth the watch!
1 x Joke:
Another far side comic for you all this week, I hope you enjoy!
Thanks ladies and gentlemen. I’m here all week! As always I welcome ALL thoughts and opinions on this blog. Please let us know in the comments section below.
One bonus question: What is your WHY?
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Clear Air Turbulence 
Interesting TED talk. I liked the line about it being an “I have a dream” speech rather than “I have a plan.”
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Yeah it’s a good one. I’ve not read his book but heard him speak a number of times and found him to be very inspiring/engaging.
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Lovely insights as always, AP! The one about hoping kids can deal with the difficult life resonated with me. And had a nod about resisting the urge to whine and complain… as I scratched my real mosquito bite. 🤣 Happy Monday!
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Thanks Ab! Have a great week ahead with you and yours. 😊🙏
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The differentiation in leadership really resonated – we have those that lead and we have to follow then we have leaders and those we want to follow.
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For me too. There are those who are simply in power and those who inspire us. Thanks Barb 🙏
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Another excellent read! I think you and I were on the same wavelength –I had similar (less eloquent!) thoughts as two and three! I am not from the school that believes in self-acceptance in the cultural sense that you are just fine they way you are. You are a valuable person but there may be room to grow in a number of areas. Accepting your flaws doesn’t mean you cannot improve them! And one cannot be done without the other! I listened to Simon’s talk this week as well–he’s always great! Your insight about the children being able to deal with a difficult life–building resiliency in my children is a thing I have been concerned with this pandemic year and you really nailed the WHY for me! Thanks so very much for that concise articulation. And lastly, that darn Pandora had the last laugh!
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Thank you Leslie – I’m so pleased you enjoyed my post! I tend to think self-acceptance works in reverse. It’s different to what I would call resignation – when you give up on the idea of becoming something more. Acceptance is about owning up to your responsibilities. The difference is you just coming from a place of self compassion as opposed to metaphorically whipping ones self (because you cannot accept where you currently are in life). I believe self-acceptance makes positive change easier.
I worry about the same regarding my own children. I don’t know what there life will look like – I only hope they have the strength to deal with it.
Thank you for taking the time to leave such a thoughtful response. Wishing you well Leslie 🙏
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Love the part about hoping your children have strength. When they’re younger, it’s easy to wish for happiness. But as they get older and life hits, as it always does, we switch to wishing them strength. It will always serve them. Thank you!
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Yes, we certainly need strength in this life. I learnt that lesson the hard way! Thank you for sharing your thoughts Kathy 🙏
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Love the bonus question…our why is so important but we often miss it 🤔 the mosquito bite is so true, but sometimes I still find myself scratching 🤔🤣
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I know. It’s hard not to scratch! 😂. Thanks Kellie 🙏
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This was such an amazing read. I love the vibe and energy of this post, it’s aimed at growth and that’s exactly what my mind is seeking at the moment. I’ve read Simon Sinek’s book ‘Start with a why’ and it made me realise what all the great companies of today have in common. A strong sense of purpose. Each and every thought discussed in this post is epic. I really liked when you said we are meant to negotiate with our mind and not succumb to it’s wishes. I’m putting this in action straightaway!
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Thank you so much! Your words mean a great deal. Growth mindset is key! Took me a long time to figure that out! I haven’t read Simon Sinek’s book yet but its on my list. I’m a big believer in having purpose myself. Thank you for stopping by 🙏
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Loved this post through and through. The cherry on top for me is the bonus question. You have no idea how much your question has helped me today find a breakthrough in something I have been stuck with for quite some time. Thank you.
Keep up the fantastic work!
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Thank youu for sharing this
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🙂🙏
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