The Entire Package that is Me

February 7th: This year’s creative expression is writing.  In addition to my daily gratitude writing I’m participating with a group of friends in a 52 weeks of journaling project.  Every Sunday a new prompt is posted and we respond in any form we wish — writing, art work, photos, etc.  This week’s prompt is —

Something you want to change about yourself

I thought of a bulleted list (as in there are many things I’d like to change), but that felt too easy.  A journaling exercise is supposed to flush out feelings — select one and dig deep.  But then a comment made by one of my friends made me pause — this question is at the heart of depression  — and in that space a new perspective emerged, one that is a truer response for me.

In this context change equates to fix, as in repair something that is broken or unacceptable.  I want to be different because who I am is too hard or judged as being undeserving.  This perspective of change detracts from a healthier attitude of accepting myself exactly as I am in this moment, flaws and all.  Acceptance is the foundation for love and love is the foundation for growth.  Don’t look for things to change, look for things to love.  Don’t limit the search to the best parts of me; explore the least favorite parts and shower them with love as well.  Be grateful for the entire package that is me.  From there will come growth.