|
June is Pride Month - a time to honor the LGBTQ+ community and celebrate love in all its beautiful, brave, and diverse forms. But even beyond that, Pride invites all of us to reflect on something we all long for in our relationships: to be fully seen and deeply accepted. Not just the easy, polished parts, but the real stuff. The messy emotions. The quirks. The moments when we’re unsure, imperfect, or asking for something that feels vulnerable. True acceptance is powerful. It’s not “I love you when…” or “I love you if…” It’s “I love you. Just as you are.” And it goes both ways. When we learn to accept ourselves more fully, we become more capable of offering that same kind of open-hearted love to the people we care about. And let’s be honest: That’s the kind of relationship we all want. One where we don’t have to perform or pretend. One where we can breathe. So here’s something to try this week - just a little self-reflection you can do on a walk, in your journal, or over coffee: What part of me is needing more acceptance right now? Is it the part of you that’s tired and needs rest, but keeps pushing anyway? The part that gets emotional easily and feels like you "should be tougher"? The part that wants more from your relationship but feels scared or guilty asking?
Often, we hold ourselves to impossible standards and don’t even notice we’re doing it. But what if you let yourself be a little more human this week? What if you gave yourself grace for needing what you need? Who in my life might need a little more acceptance from me right now? Maybe it’s your partner who struggles to communicate and doesn’t always get it right - but is trying. Maybe it’s your teenager who’s growing and changing in ways you don’t fully understand. Maybe it’s a friend whose choices look different than yours—but who still longs for connection, not judgment.
Offering acceptance doesn’t mean agreeing with everything or ignoring your own needs. It just means choosing compassion over criticism. It might look like listening without interrupting. Softening your tone. Letting go of the pressure to “fix” someone. It might look like saying, “I see you. And I’m still here.” If you can relate to this, just know you’re not alone. I’ve seen how powerful it can be when women start to accept themselves more fully… and how that shifts everything in their relationships. It’s something we explore often in one-on-one coaching and for sure in our small women’s group this Fall. If you ever want to talk more about it, I’m here. With love and belief in you,
|
