Self- acceptance.... or something like it

As stated in earlier posts, last year I embarked on the life long journey of self-improvement. The first step (as it should always be) was to take a long look in the mirror and ask " Where am I and where do I want to be? What do I want?" During this time, other questions come up. " How did i get this way? When did this happen?" These questions are usually very hard to answer (usually having no clear answer) and get in the way of the actual goal; creating a foundation, a start point to begin your journey. The worst thing that you can do to yourself at this point is try to justify why you are where you are. Justification does nothing to help your goal. In fact, it holds you back because in the back of your mind you will always think: " Is that the real reason why?". Another question that will be difficult to answer.

The first thing that needs to happen... is for you to stand in front of a mirror and take a good look at yourself. Do not lie or justify any flaw be it physical or otherwise that you might have. Take good stock of the good and the bad within you, for we all have good and bad. Understand that the process you are about to start will be life long and full of ups and downs. Be determined that no matter what, you will not deviate from the path, become complacent in your laurels or worst of all give up. While looking in the mirror, smile. You've just accepted yourself.