Today’s post is about self-acceptance.
Over the past few weeks I've spoken with quite a few people who were being very critical of themselves. People thinking they needed to change themselves to be okay. They were certain they "should" be behaving differently. Now, self-improvement is great. Learning, growing, and developing ourselves is a good thing. But self-criticism that creates constant dissatisfaction with ourselves is not a good thing. Not at all.
In every case, these clients were given a loving correction and pep talk from their guides. It is not easy being human. It is not easy being in a body, on planet Earth. Probably never has been - and certainly for many, is not now.
Being willing to look at our shortcomings, face our weaknesses, and honor our challenges is good. And... In doing this we are also asked to acknowledge our gifts, talents, and abilities. We are asked to recognize our light, and to honor our own sacred value.
Yes, "high marks" are given by Spirit for those of us willing to be helpful, for those wishing to bring forth more love and greater wisdom to this planet. But, we do not have to do it perfectly. You get credit for your willingness and for just showing up! We are reminded again and again to just be the best we can be in any given moment.
I spoke with a dog last month and that conversation has stayed with me. And it's really in keeping with this idea of self-acceptance. I think you may enjoy it, too. It's about a dog named Patch - and he has mastered the art of being himself. A role model for us all.
Know Thyself, Accept Thyself
Patch is a ten-year-old pitty. He is laid back, calm, and steady. He is never in a hurry about anything, and he does not get excited about anything. He is smart and curious. He enjoys doggie puzzles, finding hidden treats & toys, and watching the other dogs and cats in the house do their thing.
Patch’s people were certain he needed more. More activity. More exercise. More stimulation. But when I asked Patch about his life, he made it very clear that was content and needed nothing more than for everyone to relax and let him be. I asked from a few different angles, and his response was always “let me be - this is me.”
Patch’s two dog siblings are both active and playful. They race around the house at top speed knocking things over and making a lot of noise. Patch watches and observes but never participates, preferring to stay out of the way when he senses they are about to begin mayhem.
He knows the signs. His brother Rex (a terrier mix) usually starts it with a look and a play stance. When he directs his invitation toward Patch, he doesn't get too far. Patch instantly turns away - but Rex knows he can engage their sister, Molly. She's usually up for romping around. Rex always tries to tempt Patch to play (daily... for the past six years!), but Patch always declines. He clearly prefers to watch from a distance.
Patch's people thought he was depressed. But no. Patch is simply content with himself and his life, and all he really wants is for everyone else to just let him be. He told me about twenty times that if his people and his canine siblings would just understand that he is the silent, stoic, stable one... the one with keen ears and sharp eyes (and always on sentry duty - a job he gave himself)... that's all he "needs." That's what would help him enjoy his days more.
He felt like everyone was making him wrong, thinking he should be different, telling him how they thought he was suppose to be dog and do dog. But no. That's not how he rolls.
Patch is just being himself and doing his own version of dog, the Patch version. He is not social, and has no need for more interaction with humans or other animals. He appreciates others, yet feels no drive to constantly engage. He enjoys being part of a pack, but he prefers to be involved in his own quiet way.
Ultimately, it was a conversation about self-awareness and self-acceptance. He was very calm and clear - "Nothing wrong with me. I am fine. Just let me be me and we will all be happier."
I just had to share this one. If only more of us humans could be this way… We, too would be more at peace with ourselves and others.
Go Patch!