Loving Acceptance

I believe the most fundamental need we have as human beings is to be loved and accepted: to be cherished for our own unique self and embraced for simply existing. From the moment we are born we crave these things. The more we feel loving acceptance from others, the more we can find loving acceptance for ourselves.

Constantly seeking approval from any other person in a relationship, especially a parent or a spouse, leaves us open to judgment. When love is withdrawn because conditions are placed on our behavior, we feel insignificant.

The reality is that the more we can accept ourselves just as we are today, the more we can quiet our self-critical voice. Carl Rogers said, “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.” Therapy is the process of change. The more we can find loving acceptance for ourselves, the more we can move toward our own full potential. This process is life-altering.