Back to Me
As I step into this new chapter, I’ve been reflecting on the journey that led me back to my most authentic self. Self-acceptance, I’ve come to learn, is about releasing the weight of others’ opinions and reconnecting with what makes me feel alive and joyful in my own skin.
I was a confident, happy little girl. At five years old, I declared to my teachers that I would only answer to "Elizabeth"—not Liz, not Beth, just Elizabeth. There was a certainty in that choice, a pure reflection of knowing who I was. But like so many of us, that certainty was soon met with comparison and doubt.
Second grade marked the beginning of a struggle. I found myself looking at others and questioning my own worth. By middle school, the challenges compounded with the usual trials of adolescence—puberty, social pressure, and even a relentless bully. In my desire to fit in, I ignored the voice of that little girl who knew her worth. I hurt people I cared about, including one of my best friends, all in an attempt to be accepted. But the truth was, rejecting myself never brought the belonging I so desperately sought.
College became a period of exploration. I chased experiences, trying on different versions of myself in hopes of reconnecting with that inner voice. Slowly, I began to understand that self-acceptance wasn’t about becoming someone new; it was about returning to the person I had always been.
Now, at 45, I stand with that little girl once more. She walks beside me, reminding me of the strength that comes from self-love. Through my years of experience in integrative health, working as a counselor, coach, and practitioner, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of this kind of self-acceptance in others too. It’s not about perfection. It’s about compassion—for ourselves, our choices, and the winding path that leads us home.
This month, I invite you to reflect on your own journey. Are there parts of yourself you’ve silenced to meet expectations? Can you listen once more to that inner voice—your own unique spirit?
Self-acceptance is freedom. And it’s never too late to return to yourself.
Wishing you joy and authenticity.
- Elizabeth