By Suzanne E. Harrill
One
important concept, that helps you have a healthy sense of
self-acceptance and self-esteem, is the knowledge that you are
perfect, right now, just the way you are. This is true
regardless of your problems, early childhood issues, body,
I.Q., mistakes, etc. Consider a new definition of perfection
which includes all of your imperfections. This is an important
seed thought to hold in your mind as you go forward in life
growing into your full potential Self. Accepting the truth of
your beauty and perfection is best illustrated by looking at
an acorn. In a minute I will share with you how the sprouted
acorn became my business symbol and logo. First, let me
explain more about the perfection of the acorn which makes it
a little easier to apply this concept of your beauty and
perfection to yourself.
The
acorn inside its hard shell holds the seed with the potential
to grow into a full oak tree. When the conditions are right,
it breaks free and begins its life journey. We would not look
at one acorn and say it is a good acorn and look at another
and say it is a bad one. They are all good and perfect being
acorns, as the seed grows it is a perfect expression of its
self at every phase of its life. It is no less worthy
as a seed with all its potential hidden from view than as a
giant tree in full stature.
All along the acorn's life path, as a seedling, a small
tree, a big tree, and a giant tree, it is perfect; it is being
who and what it is capable of being at every moment. Even though it is
capable of growing more at each stage of its life, the acorn
is still a beautiful expression of its Self at every stage. And you, like the
acorn, are a beautiful expression of your Self at every stage
of your life journey.
Most
of us do not accept this idea very readily. We judge ourselves
harshly for certain choices we have made, feeling shame that
we have made mistakes, which to us proves we are not perfect.
The irony is you are perfectly being you, learning and
evolving with each and every choice you make, mistakes and
unwise choices included. Your perfection includes your
imperfections.
To
truly feel good about yourself, now, today, it is important to
allow the truth of your present perfection to sink into and
become a part of your belief system. As you release false
truths about yourself, you will allow the full expression of
your Self to be felt and experienced. Ponder and mediate on
this idea for a while if you have some difficulty accepting
it, so you can relearn what you once knew innately. Your
beauty and perfection is waiting for you to acknowledge it and
integrate it into your belief system.
Now
for how the acorn became my symbol. Many years ago I was hired
to give two teacher in-service training sessions. My youngest
daughter was in preschool at this time, and before I picked
her up, I liked to meditate for a few minutes. One particular
day I had a very clear vision of myself handing out acorns to
the teachers and explaining exactly what I just shared with
you above. My daughter and I went to the park and began
gathering acorns. During the first teacher training session I
felt too uncomfortable handing out the acorns and giving the
analogy.
Well,
wouldn’t you know, I had the exact same meditation right
before the second training. I smiled and said to my
spiritually guided meditation, “Thank you, I get the
message.” For many years after that day I handed out acorns
and started my self-esteem workshops and talks with the acorn
analogy. It became a part of me. When I needed a business
logo, my artist friend Susan created the perfect logo for me,
an acorn with three leaves sprouting out of the top. The
following is a short version of the acorn analogy.
Deep inside you know how to be you, as
an acorn knows how to be a mighty oak.
The acorn does the best it can do
at each stage of growth along its life path.
Even if the early start was less than perfect,
the eager oak accelerates its desire to grow
every time that it has nurturing from nature:
sunlight, rainwater, and soil nutrients.
YOU are like the acorn doing your best under
the conditions in which you are growing.
Nurture yourself with awareness, acceptance,
love,
self-respect, and self-esteem, then watch
you grow towards your full-potential Self!
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