I’m in the midst of video taping my Dream Board Magic! video course. It has been such a learning opportunity in self-acceptance.

Many of us are way too self-critical and there’s nothing like seeing and hearing yourself on video to bring forth observations and judgments that are anything but neutral.

I find myself watching and observing: “I have a lisp!” “My hair looks funky.” “What tired eyes!” Luckily I’m laughing as I observe these things. I could be wringing my hands and insisting on retakes, as if that would magically make such surface issues disappear.

Life offers us daily opportunities to accept who we are to a greater, more generous degree. I’m currently experiencing a BIG opportunity in self-acceptance, but there are smaller moments that help us practice self-acceptance, too. Moments such as:

• Our first look in the mirror each morning…and on some days, whenever we catch our reflection. Smile kindly at yourself.
• Each time we hear mental chatter criticizing something about ourselves. We can correct the criticism with a kinder, more accurate thought. For instance, “You lisp” gets corrected as, and “No one really cares.”
• When other people project their own fears onto us. We can recognize this and not take it personally.
• When we try on new clothes that may or may not fit or flatter us.
• Each time we try something new and we feel awkward or unsure.
• When we just feel like being silly without adhering to “proper” behavior
• When we don’t get chosen or hired.

All these instances and many more, are opportunities for self-acceptance, for nurturing self, for practicing self-kindness. What we give others so easily we need to learn to give ourselves — namely, we need to give ourselves a break.

Perfection is not attainable and I think we even give others a great gift by making mistakes (of course this could be rationalization.) During the video taping, I simply choose to think of my mistakes as being natural, not overly rehearsed.

It’s my experience that others receive the total sum of our presence — the energy of our intentions and heart rather than our exact words or even the way we look. Sure words and looks register. Yet, when others look to us for friendship, assistance and support, these surface qualities quickly take second place.

My clients want me to help them evolve beyond their fears and blocks, and that’s not about what I sound like or look like.

When others are hard on us, it’s usually because they are being too hard on themselves. So when you find yourself overly critical about who you are, what you’ve accomplished, how far you are from your goals or dreams…STOP! and be kinder to yourself. Forgive yourself for not living up to some mental standard you’ve concocted.

Remember that we’re all work in progress. Our daily experiences are chiseling away the rough marble so our core magnificence can be revealed. It’s already there. Self-acceptance is about loving what’s already showing in all its flawed glory.

Melissa Wadsworth is an author, inspirational speaker and personal potential coach, specializing in intuitive dream boards.