Self Acceptance? Maybe some of you also wonder what that is. Well, four years ago I embarked on a journey. My journey to Self Acceptance. I am a mom and a wife but I didn’t have an identity. I was lost. I was very depressed. “Who am I?” I would ask as I looked in the mirror and did not recognize the woman looking back at me. I remember the day that I made a decision that would change my life forever. Instead of being my enemy and critic, I decided to become my friend. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. I learned a lot about myself while on this journey. I spent time alone with myself and got to know who I really am. I learned what my strengths and weaknesses are. I looked at my shortcomings and flaws and began to embrace them. I’m not saying that I love my flaws, what I’m saying is that I have learned to accept them. They make me unique. I am not made to be like everyone else. I began to stop comparing myself to others. I accepted the fact that I will never look like anyone else and that is okay. I live in my body and I needed to learn to love myself and the body that I have. I am grateful and blessed for what my body does for me. On this journey I have also learned what Self Forgiveness is and I apply it to every area of my life. I can fail at many things but I cannot fail at being “Me.” Freedom comes with Self Acceptance. While on this journey, I had the opportunity to meet myself for the first time in many years. I love Shannon and the woman she is today. I take care of her and I protect her. I honor and respect her. I speak beautiful words to her – not mean anymore. My past… it doesn’t define me. I’ve accepted it and have learned from it. My story is what has made me into the strong remarkable woman I am today. I think I’m pretty awesome. I live for me today. I make the time to self care. I am a great wife, mother and friend. What’s different is that today, I come first. I owe that to myself. I am deserving. You see, I have learned many things on my journey but the greatest thing that I learned is that I am not beautiful like you…I am beautiful like me.
Shannon Hershkowitz
Alumni Recovery Coach
Rosewood Centers For Eating Disorders
