Thread: Self Awareness vs Self Acceptance

Is it possible to truly accept yourself without being fully aware of who you are both physically and mentally?

Often those of us with weight issues, especially at the beginning of our journeys, we feel soooo bad about ourselves that we "avoid" ourselves at every opportunity. Whether it be to not look in mirrors, not to take photos, or hide behind clothes we hope not to be seen dead in....we go out of our way to make ourselves invisible when, by our very choices, we are permanently leaned against the visibility button!! We go about our daily lives totally "unaware" of who we really are instead living in the belief that we are who we think we are....still with me?

Only when you have self awareness can you achieve self acceptance. It is only when you truly accept yourself that you can then experience increased self esteem, self love and we've all read enough self development books to know that self love is the first step in discovering romantic love.

We all want to lose "x" amount of weight....however, in order to make and sustain any lasting physical changes you have to know yourself. This is the foundation of your transformation and just as you know that a building that is built on shaky foundations will eventually fall down .... that is exactly what will happen if your foundations are not strong....you will regain weight, you will continue to yo-yo.

Remember that food is much like a drug that is used to dull the pain ...but the original problem that caused the pain in the first place is still there long after the drug has worn off if it is not seen to. That means loving ourselves just as much NOW as when we reach our goals....this is a true work in progress. Remember that the body you have now is exactly the same body that you have at either 10stone or 30stone!

Becoming self aware can be a difficult process depending on your own personal circumstances....some people may benefit from additional counselling and some will be ok with the support they receive either through these forums or their own support groups. It doesn't matter which vehicle you use so long as you are doing the job.

Losing weight alone cannot transform your life. Changing your perception can.

Ooooh a bit deep and meaningful for a Sunday night, but all good stuff.

Wise words as always - thank you

Hels x

Hmm - I'm starting to really have a good look at myself and I'm not sure I like what I'm seeing.

love

Originally Posted by Isobel1965

Hmm - I'm starting to really have a good look at myself and I'm not sure I like what I'm seeing.

love

Scary innit Guess I'll just look at myself through the corner of my eye, every now and again

I've got both hands over my eyes and peeping through my fingas! lol
love

LOL. Do you think there should be a warning on the door of this 'room'?

Room 101? lol

Very true. You can accept what you see, warts and all, and still want to change aspects of it - I think where 'salf acceptance' and 'fat acceptance' differ is that the fat acceptance people celebrate their fat, which is fine - but we can't all reconcile ourselves to that extent of 'self love'

I can get to a point where I can look in the mirror naked and accept that this is me, now, and this is what I have to work with. I got this way by dieting for twenty years, and so it's going to take a while to switch off the impulses that made me diet...and start to eat like a normal person & lose weight.

Over eating made me fat...and I over ate because of constant attempts to diet. I was on a treadmill and to stop that treadmill I have to swicth the off button.

It doesn't mean I accept I will ALWAYS be as I am, just that to move on I have to look at where I am NOW, accept it and deal with it.

I like your thinking, Angelic!! That is exactly what will move you forward into your success....

wow! very deep... thaks for sharing..

It is always tempting to use food to "stuff down" emotions, but like you said, the comfort factor wears off pretty quickly and like most abused drugs, excess food leaves damage.

I'm terrible for avoiding myself. I hate mirrors and photos, or I sort of cloud my judgment in my head...Pretending that I look OK, or that others won't notice me if I'm scruffy enough and wear enough black, baggy things.

I have recently realised that I am addicted to food. I too use it to stuff things down, and to give myself a feeling of satisfaction that perhaps I don't get in other ways. I haven't quite worked out for myself what I need to do to stop the cycle, but i am happy to have this enlightening moment. At least the light is on now! But I am also happy that i have realised that other people do this too. So this doesn't make me a bad person, or a lesser person than anyone else.

Very true. I am starting to accept myself for who I am as a person, but I still have parts of me I would like to change (weight) to love myself 100% if that makes sense?

I don't think i'd ever be able to accept myself until i'm at my goal weight. But its like a magical number, once i reach it i am aware that i probably still won't be happy. but thinking that losing weight will solve all your self esteem issues is easier than thinking that one day you might actually have to like yourself.

i just cant see a day when i'll ever like what i look like and will be able to stand in front of someone, naked, without feeling ashamed or embarrassed.