Please note that this is an Archived article and may contain content that is out of date. The use of she/her/hers pronouns in some articles is not intended to be exclusionary. Eating disorders can affect people of all genders, ages, races, religions, ethnicities, sexual orientations, body shapes, and weights.

November 21, 2014

Nov 20

Self-Acceptance does not come from our achievements. Our achievements are products of our values, qualities, and characteristics. For example, the successful gardener is hard working, persistent, adaptable, and willing to learn from trial and error. Regardless of drought, pests, and disease, the qualities and characteristics that made the gardener successful remain, allowing her to use these abilities to engage in other meaningful life experiences. By placing value only in temporary things such as success, position, employment, relationships, health, grades, popularity, or body shape, our perception of our own value is at risk.

Our bodies are the means by which we experience life. Like putting the oxygen mask on our face before helping others on an airplane, caring for ourselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually enables us to connect with the world and build meaningful relationships.