3 habits to help you become more accepting
If I had to choose the number one catalyst for positive change in the world, I’d say it’s acceptance. It’s the foundation on which every relationship is built, and the key to developing deep and meaningful connections with others.
So, what does it mean to be accepting of others? It means kicking your judgment to the curb and being kind without conditions. It means letting go of criticism and focusing on being positive and compassionate.
To jumpstart your journey to acceptance, here are three habits to begin practicing:
1. Putting yourself in their shoes
Empathy and acceptance go hand in hand. Empathy helps people feel, not only accepted, but truly heard and understood. When we are going through a challenging time in our lives, having the support of someone who can feel or identify with our pain helps tremendously with the healing process.
2. Practice random acts of kindness
There is nothing more meaningful than taking the time to do something for someone else – whether it be lending a hand to a stranger, doing a favor for a friend or simply smiling at those you pass throughout your day. Kindness is about caring genuinely for others around you, but being kind takes practice. The more small acts of kindness you do, the more natural the impulse becomes.
3. Just listen
We all know that being a good listener is an important skill to have, but how many of us actually practice it? Instead of processing what the other person is saying, we’re often in our own heads, planning what to say next. Try to shut down your internal voice, and hear what the other person is saying. Pretend you will need to repeat it back to them – or actually do it, known as active listening. Repeating your understanding of their words gives the other person an opportunity to know if you’ve heard them, and correct any misunderstanding.
In the wise words of Brian Tracy, “The greatest gift that you can give to others is the gift of unconditional love and acceptance.”
Rose Caiola
Inspired. Rewired.
