Imagine having a puzzle with missing pieces. It would be difficult to see the full image. Understanding who you are is about putting all the pieces together so you can see the big picture. When you judge parts of yourself, you limit what you see. Instead of being judgmental, practice self-compassion.
Accept Who You Are
Just like a puzzle, as humans, we have many pieces. Although we may not love every part of ourselves, accepting who we are is crucial. This concept is known as self-compassion. It involves creating space for your complexities. You can be more than one thing at the same time. You have many pieces, but if you separate parts of yourself you don’t like, you have an incomplete image of who you are. It is only when you bring all those pieces together you develop a solid sense of self.
Be Curious
What if you replaced judgment with curiosity? How much more could you love yourself? Self-love is more than saying “I love you” when you look in the mirror. It is about accepting everything about yourself and knowing who you are is enough. Self-love is about being curious and not judgmental. Consider the parts you don’t like about yourself and ask yourself, “What can I learn from this part of myself?”
Be Understanding
When we approach the parts of ourselves we tend to judge with curiosity, we can unlock deeper understanding. Consider what you can learn from the qualities you deem as unacceptable or unusual. You might recognize that you developed these qualities to protect yourself. Being protective of yourself is a helpful quality to have. By being more curious, you create space for self-acceptance.
Final Thoughts
A puzzle is incomplete if it has missing pieces. You need all the pieces of who you are to have a solid sense of self. Instead of judging, be curious and compassionate. This approach leads to a deeper understanding of who you are.