TO CHANGE OR NOT TO CHANGE

The right to decide when and how I want to change is up to me and no one else.  It is tempting at times to modify my thoughts and actions to please others, especially when I am I convinced I won’t be loved if I don’t change.  It’s a powerful motivator to believe my worth and value is dependent on others’ acceptance.  There have been times when I have even acted contrary to my integrity and values because I thought it would bring acknowledgement and prove that I am ‘okay’.   The problem is this only increased shame and decreased my sense of self-acceptance.  No more.

I now know that I don’t have to prove my worth and value.  It is simply inherently present, just as yours is.   I will acknowledge and accept all of my thoughts, feelings, and needs.  If I determine a thought or belief is not working for me, I can choose to change it when I am ready to do so.  If a behavior no longer serves me, I can opt to respond in a different way when I want to do so.  I will remind myself today that only I choose when and how I want to change.  I am okay just the way I am.