Self-acceptance is perhaps the best gift you can give yourself. Show
Self-acceptance is without condition; it means that you accept yourself as is, flaws and all. It also allows you to freely experience and express a full range of emotions. Unconditional self-acceptance is a valuable quality, as it is linked to a variety of positive outcomes such as enhanced psychological wellbeing (MacInnes, 2006) and life harmony (Garcia, Nima, & Kjell, 2014). The aim of this article is to provide inspirational self-acceptance quotes across salient categories including radical self-acceptance, self-love and growth, and self-esteem. So, let’s get started; when it comes to boosting self-acceptance, self-love, and self-compassion, there is no better time than the present. To that end, we thought you might like to download our three Self-Compassion Exercises for free. These detailed, science-based exercises will help you increase the compassion and kindness you show yourself and give you the tools to help your clients, students, or employees show more compassion to themselves. This Article Contains:
Top 10 Quotes About Self-Acceptance
Michael Bernard, 2013, p. xiv
Albert Ellis, 2012
Nathaniel Branden, 2011, p. 59
Kristin Neff, 2015, p. 5
Jennifer Crocker & Lora Park, 2004, p. 401
Tara Brach, 2004, p. 3
Nathaniel Branden, 2011, p. 69
Nathaniel Branden, 2011, p. 49
Brené Brown, 2015, p. 146
Debbie Ford, 2001, p. 217 These quotes convey the unconditional nature of self-acceptance, namely that we accept and respect ourselves regardless of our weaknesses. It means that we don’t need to look for approval from others and that we don’t hold on to self-sabotaging beliefs. Of course, self-acceptance isn’t always easy and may even be considered courageous. But its benefits make it worth the effort. Self-accepting individuals appreciate their imperfect selves and can fully embrace life without being controlled by fear. 10 Radical Self-Acceptance Quotes
Tara Brach, 2004, p. 4
Sonya Renee Taylor, 2018, p. 3
Windy Dryden, 2003, p. 152
Albert Ellis, 2005, p. 160
Tara Brach, 2004, p. 15
Tara Brach, 2004, p. 25
Carl Jung, n.d.
Colin Tipping, 2011, P. 82
Tara Brach, 2020, p. 79
Tara Brach, 2020, p. 78 Radical self-love has been described as “deeper, wider, and more expansive than anything we would call self-confidence or self-esteem… Including the word radical offers us a self-love that is the root or origin of our relationship to ourselves” (Taylor, 2018, p. 6). Radical self-acceptance is the truest form of self-love because it is not contingent upon our behaviors or feelings at a given time. It is always present, regardless of the various stressors life throws our way. It enables us to take important risks because we know our self-love will still be there if we fail. This degree of self-worth enables us to better deal with dissatisfaction and shame. It allows us to forgive ourselves and enjoy a daily existence in which we trust in our essential goodness. Inspiring Self-Love & Growth Quotes
Dalai Lama XIV, n.d.
Sharon Salzberg, 1995, p. 24
Laurasia Mattingly, 2020, p. 2
Buddha, n.d.
Carl Rogers, 1995, p. 17
Albert Ellis, 1996, p. 150
Brené Brown, 2015, p. 219
Kristin Neff, 2015, p. 13 If you find yourself in a constant battle with the world, perhaps plagued by dissatisfying relationships and lack of intimacy, you are probably not loving yourself unconditionally. You also may judge yourself over past mistakes without self-compassion. Self-love promotes positive growth by focusing on the here and now; it enables us to strive toward greater contentment and wellbeing. By loving ourselves in this way, we also model unconditional self-love for our children, allowing them to fully accept themselves as they are. It is in this way that children can approach life as self-compassionate individuals who are at peace with themselves and the world around them. 8 Short Self-Esteem Quotes
Albert Ellis, 1996, p. 150
Jennifer Crocker & Katherine Knight, 2005, p. 202
Jennifer Crocker & Lora Park, 2004, p. 407
Jennifer Crocker & Katherine Knight, 2005, p. 201
Jennifer Crocker & Lora Park, 2004, p. 392
Jennifer Crocker & Lora Park, 2004, p. 399
Roy Baumeister et al., 2003, p. 36
Kristin Neff & Natasha Beretvas, 2013, p. 79 Self-esteem is hardly a new concept. Introduced by William James in 1890 (Mruk, 2010), the term has been a topic of debate among researchers for many decades. As noted by Baumeister, Campbell, Krueger, and Vohs (2003, p. 2), “self-esteem is literally defined by how much value people place on themselves.” The ongoing problem with self-esteem as a state or trait is that it is generally viewed as competence dependent. As such, when a person succeeds at a task, their self-esteem increases. However, when the same person doesn’t perform as well, their self-esteem is likely to plummet. This mindset is like an emotional rollercoaster since we simply cannot succeed at everything we do. It is for these reasons that Albert Ellis is famously known to have had a disapproving view of self-esteem. Certainly, performing well and enjoying a spike in self-esteem is motivating. But, like a sugar high, this contingent motivation is not sustainable. Consequently, a focus on self-esteem versus self-acceptance has long-term costs. For example, self-esteem jeopardizes autonomy by requiring a person to act according to performance-driven pressure rather than internal motivation (Crocker & Park, 2004). Self-esteem is also costly in terms of learning and competence, self-regulation, relationships, and even physical health (Crocker & Park, 2004). Moreover, those with high self-esteem may be more judgmental of others. Overall, those with unconditional self-acceptance, rather than self-esteem, tend to enjoy greater self-compassion and consistent feelings of self-worth. 4 Quote Books About the Power of Self-LoveThere are several books available that provide a treasure trove of inspiring self-love quotes from a range of researchers, philosophers, and writers. Here are four such examples along with 10 excellent quotes included. 1. Self-Love: 100+ Quotes, Reflections, and Activities to Help You Uncover and Strengthen Your Self-Love – Devi B. Dillard-WrightThis quote book is designed to aid readers in moving “from self-loathing to self-compassion” by providing 120 positive reflections. It also contains short exercises intended to help build self-love and self-compassion. The book’s chapters are divided according to self-love topics, such as ‘Pick your Battles,’ ‘Be your own Cheerleader,’ ‘Release your Guilt,’ and ‘Find your Purpose.’ Additionally, readers are asked to take ‘The Self-Love Pledge,’ which involves repeating a self-love phrase each day as a way of reminding them of their dedication toward being more self-loving and respectful. And, of course, the book is loaded with self-love and self-compassion reflections such as:
Jeanette LeBlanc, p. 33
André Gide, p. 21
Victoria Moran, p. 30 Find the book on Amazon. 2. Buddha: His Words – Daniel CoennThis book contains 161 of Buddha’s most-known quotes and sayings. It is a terrific resource for anyone looking for Buddha’s words of wisdom regarding self-acceptance and self-love. Here are two notable examples of self-acceptance quotes within this collection:
Find the book on Amazon. 3. Love Yourself Every Day: 365 Daily Self-Love Quotes and Affirmations to Boost Self-Esteem and Confidence, and Inspire Unconditional Self-Compassion Even When You Feel Unworthy – Jordan S. AlexanderThis book provides daily self-love quotes designed to break down self-deprecating feelings while enhancing self-worth and self-love. By embracing the book’s 365 affirmations, readers will be on their way toward putting their own needs first, meeting personal goals, no longer being concerned about others’ opinions of them, ceasing self-criticism, and developing a positive body image, among other things. Here are two examples of self-love quotes included in this book:
Eartha Kitt, p. 18
Oprah Winfrey, p. 21 Find the book on Amazon. 4. Good Vibes, Good Life: How Self-Love Is the Key to Unlocking Your Greatness – Vex KingThe goal of this book is to help readers embrace their own greatness by finding a higher purpose, overcoming fear, manifesting goals, cultivating positive lifestyle habits, creating beliefs that promote opportunities, and practicing better self-care. Because it is written by a person who overcame adversity, the book is particularly inspiring for those experiencing life challenges. Along with helping readers follow a trajectory of self-love and positive vibes, the book contains many motivating quotes such as:
Find the book on Amazon. The Science of Self-Acceptance MasterclassPromoting self-acceptance is a top priority here at PositivePsychology.com. Based on the understanding that low self-acceptance (even in combination with high self-esteem) is the basis for many psychological and emotional issues, we offer an innovative program called the Science of Self-Acceptance Masterclass©. The objective of this class is to provide practitioners with a research-based approach that will help clients redirect their unhealthy attempts to increase self-esteem toward the much more beneficial construct of self-acceptance. Taught by a highly experienced psychologist and researcher, Dr. Hugo Alberts, this course uses the ‘sailboat metaphor’ as an easily comprehensible way for individuals to feel connected as passengers weathering the same storm. The course contains eight modules of live recordings; a comprehensive science-based handbook; and many audio files, worksheets, exercises, illustrations, and PowerPoint slides. Additionally, the course enables clients to receive expert advice along with a special component in which they learn how to teach the class to others. Overall, the Science of Self-Acceptance Masterclass© enables individuals to change their mental narratives from ones that are constantly seeking approval, to those that are deep, long-lasting, and grounded in a sense of worthiness. A Take-Home MessageThis article has provided many important insights into the amazing power of self-love. Using poignant quotes from notable experts and philosophers, it is clear that there are many ways to express the importance of self-acceptance. While complete self-acceptance – that is, without the need for reassurance from others – isn’t easy, it enables us to become the best versions of ourselves. Unlike self-esteem, which is often fleeting and performance dependent, self-acceptance means that we respect ourselves entirely, we forgive ourselves of past mistakes, and we embrace our value as human beings. And with such self-love and acceptance comes the glorious freedom to be our most authentic selves and to create our own beautiful love stories. We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Don’t forget to download our three Self-Compassion Exercises for free.
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