❤️ Building Self-Awareness and Self-Acceptance ❤️
Hello, Lovely Community!
Today is the Day-9 of our Self-Esteem Challenge. (The master post for the event is given here ). We will be focusing on the concept of Self-awareness and Self-acceptance which can help us in getting to know ourselves better, and also help us in building our self-esteem. ❤️
Let us know your thoughts and answers to the questions/ icebreaker below, in this thread! 
�
Self-awareness is when we observe and focus our attention on ourselves by being honest as well as introspective so that we can focus on the reality of our emotions and behavior. Self-acceptance is all about having a realistic awareness of our inner voice which helps us in recognizing that we all can make mistakes being imperfect, as well as we have the ability to attain noteworthy accomplishments. Evaluation of self helps in understanding the reasons behind our actions and working on changing the aspects of oneself which needs improvement, leading to acceptance of oneself.
�
Focusing on our mind and body, allows us to sensibly evaluate what we receive from outside and what we offer from inside of ourselves. It enables us to pay attention to our feelings, thoughts, beliefs, sensations, reactions, triggers, needs, and habits. Concentrating the attention on oneself involves being aware of one's emotions, identifying them, accepting their presence, and understanding their impact. To develop a thoughtful mindset involving awareness and acceptance of self, some effort and time for reflection with self is required, but this mindset can help us in increasing our EQ, self-esteem, and empathy, making our life meaningful, opening ourselves to new opportunities as well as becoming the best version of ourselves, once we begin practicing it.
�
We can learn to build Self-Awareness and Self-Acceptance within ourselves by practicing some activities, such as: Reflecting on our thoughts/emotions - Reflection brings perspective and understanding in our lives which helps to be aware; Monitoring our Self-Talk - Paying attention to what we say and think about ourselves, challenging any thought which is inappropriate/negative; Being open to Suggestions - Asking for feedback from supportive and trustworthy people; Sharing and considering perspectives - Making an attempt to view things from another's perspective and sharing our own perspectives; Noticing and reflecting what bothers you about others - Paying attention to the aspects of other people that irritates us. Evaluate whether it is really about their behavior or is it some quality in them that we disapprove of in ourselves, which is getting reflected back to us; Journaling - Recording our thoughts/emotions to identify, clarify and accept their presence; Practicing mindfulness, meditation, or yoga - These activities can help regulate our emotions, improving our physical and mental health.
�
�❤️ Here are some questions to ponder! ❤️
1) How can self-awareness help us stay grounded when feeling overwhelmed?
2) How can self-acceptance help us unlock our motivation to make progress in our life?
3) What does it mean to be ourselves?
�
Icebreaker: What can you do to become a better version of yourself and what are three goals that you can set to work on yourself? Let us know! �
�
�
Thanks to everyone in the team who have contributed ideas and content for this event. 
Team Contributors: @KristinHelps @Asruu @Starmedia
�
Click here to be added/removed from the tag list!
@AbHinc @AddictedTealover98 @aditighosh02 @ahealingEndoftherainbow22 @ArtemisGrey @ashlyntheordinary @black1995 @Booklover95 @brendenjensen @brilliantMoment97 @brutalBiscuit @calmsoulmeet @caringCreature8571 @catlover456 @centremid @Christiinee @comfortingRose21 @CompassionateDave @decisiveOcean892 @dtanushree @exuberantMaple397 @fearlessFriend6573 @Fearlesslake610 @fluffyunicorns84 @frostyOcean72 @futuredavidblue98 @fy64 @GhostLily @glisteningeyes @GustyOne4U @happyface1014 @healinghearts0718 @HealingSinthia @healingWhisper @herealways27 @Hope3729 @Hpoole @immaddie @intellectualDrum3128 @ItsReganingRain @IvyL @JayTheBird14 @Jennifer164 @K87 @KACOSMIC @Kassy7cups @Katiets @KoiFish @korange @KristinHelps @Ktlev07 @Lexloveslife @LilyLe @lilypilli @littleSky9143 @lunaa1990 @mellietronx @melliotm @MissPen @MissSkeleton @MrJacob @neatBalloon7178 @neverendingMermaid74 @niceDaisy36 @onedirection1213 @optimisticRaspberries5247 @orangeyouglad68 @parisliangbts @peppermintlove @Pidge2 @PurpleSnail @Redmark @reliablebutoftenforgotten @river @sail46 @sarang26 @SavoyTruffle20 @SeekingOkay @selena555 @serenitysearch @SilverSeastar @Skyy0 @Softhearted975 @supportiveApple61 @themainjane @Themorningowl @TNTDynamite @Totheskyandbeyond @Violiness @warmheartedBlackberry592 @WhiteAlbatros @Zeraphim @zulegirl
@Starmedia
�❤️ Here are some questions to ponder! ❤️
1) How can self-awareness help us stay grounded when feeling overwhelmed?
Being more aware of how I use my words and staying grounded in who I am and not who � I should be .. overwhelming to try and be someone else.
2) How can self-acceptance help us unlock our motivation to make progress in our life?
By accepting we can grow and love ourselves for who we are not who we think we should be or someone wnats us to be.. be real not fake.. we will gain more in our lives and struggle less.
3) What does it mean to be ourselves?
Being real and true and not being fake or pacifying some people or feeling we need to fit in .. be you be yourself and be real.. genuine .
Icebreaker: What can you do to become a better version of yourself and what are three goals that you can set to work on yourself? Let us know! �
1. Stop worrying about things I can not control
2.Be happy with who I am and not someone else .
3.Feel happiness even in the dark times find peace ..
Positive People and not Negative Nellies all the time , wanting to bring people down with their fakeness People can bring you down and make you feel like you are a no body.. I am somebody !!
@Tyedyedbutterfly65
So nice answers Tye! Being careful with our words, staying grounded by knowing who we actually are; embracing the real self to grow and love ; not fitting in by being genuinely ourselves.
And those are relatable and important goals - to let go of control, being happy with self, finding happiness during dark times.
Thanks for participating! 
❤️ Here are some questions to ponder! ❤️
1) How can self-awareness help us stay grounded when feeling overwhelmed?
Self-awareness can help keep one in the moment and mindful of our surroundings to stay grounded in overwhelming situations.
2) How can self-acceptance help us unlock our motivation to make progress in our life?
Self-acceptance can help unlock motivation by raising confidence. When I feel like I'm capible of more, I achieve more progress in life.
3) What does it mean to be ourselves?
To be true to our likes, dislikes, and genuine in our interactions.
Icebreaker: What can you do to become a better version of yourself and what are three goals that you can set to work on yourself?
I can listen to other people and introspect to become a better person. Three self-improvement goals I have is to improve/widen my spectrum of responsibility, improve punctuality with my sleep schedule, and improve self-confidence in ability!
@FleetingBardSong
Introspective answers Song! Being in the moment; Being mindful of our surroundings; Increase in confidence level; Being genuine to ourselves and having genuine interactions.
And, those are really nice self-improvement goals - to have more responsibilities/being responsible; improving sleep schedule; improving self-confidence! Wishing the best for you dear!!
Thank you for participating!
@Starmedia
Thank you team contributors for providing such precious reminder of self-awareness!
❤️ �Here are some questions to ponder! �❤️
1) How can self-awareness help us stay grounded when feeling overwhelmed?
It reminds us how the genuine self of us (the accomplisment or the reasons behind our action which strives us for improvement). It makes us also analyze and sort out back our inner voice
2) How can self-acceptance help us unlock our motivation to make progress in our life?
By accepting what has done and not ruminating over �it, hence we can step forwards.
3) What does it mean to be ourselves?
understanding what we value, how we as the self react to something around us (as the body and mind integrated).
�
Icebreaker: What can you do to become a better version of yourself and what are three goals that you can set to work on yourself? Let us know! �
by journaling and accomplishing tiny goals. Goals such as reading self-improvement materials, working out �in 7cups, and reminding myself of what i have done to bolster �motivation
@redemptionblue17
Reflective answers Blue! Remembering our genuine self; Accepting without ruminating; Understanding what's valuable; Understanding our reactions.
Journaling can be extremely helpful and creating tiny goals can be easy to complete! And, those are really good goals to have - reading about self-improvement; contributing to 7cups; self-reminders about progress and for motivation. Hoping the best for you dear!!
Thank you for participating!
@Starmedia
1) How can self-awareness help us stay grounded when feeling overwhelmed?
Self-awareness helps to focus on the thoughts and emotions which we �experience at the moment, so by observing �triggering thoughts �and its �effects on our �emotions �can help us to stay grounded when feeling overwhelmed. �
2) How can self-acceptance help us unlock our motivation to make progress in our life?
Acceptance is to look at everything just the way it is rather than wishing it to be like we expect something to be. How pleasant and interesting it is! Living a life where there is acceptance. Yes, it doesn't mean that we can't change that 'something' but suffering ends when we accept everything just the way they are. So self acceptance itself is a motivation. �
3) What does it mean to be ourselves?
It means we should always be like the way we are when nobody watching us. Just be the way we want and do what matters most. �
�
Icebreaker: What can you do to become a better version of yourself and what are three goals that you can set to work on yourself? Let us know! �
• Never forget to be a student. There's no limit for learning.
• Keeping our nature clean and green.
• Always treat others the way i would like to be treated.
@dtanushree
Mindful answers Tanu! Focusing on our thoughts/emotions; Observing triggering thoughts; Observing effects of our emotions; Seeing things the way they actually are and accepting them; Being our own self and doing things we want to do.
Your goals are very wonderful - Always Learning; Keeping nature clean and green; Treating everyone and self well.
Thank you for participating!
What can you do to become a better version of yourself and what are three goals that you can set to work on yourself?
To be a better version of myself I have to slow down once a day and think. I'm so stressed that if I take out time to breathe consciously and evaluate what I'm doing in the present it will help me stay focused and be a better me.
My 3 goals are
1. To stop comparing myself to others constantly especially my friends. I want to stop thinking about what they think about me because this thought pattern consumes me and it's not helpful.
2. I want to try and stop using superlatives like 'never' or 'always' or 'everytime' . I have a habit of doing that and it obscures the actual situation.
3. I want to try and worry less about situations I cannot control. Planning- yes, Worrying- No.
@plumBeechwood7549
Thoughtful answer Plum! Slowing down to think; Taking time to breathe consciously; Evaluating our doings.
Loved your practical goals - To not compare ourselves to others; Minimizing negative superlatives; Letting go things we can't control and planning for things we can control! Hope you fulfill all your goals dear!!
Thank you for participating!
@Starmedia
1) How can self-awareness help us stay grounded when feeling overwhelmed?
It helps us focus on what's real vs. what's not real or shall I say not realistic.
2) How can self-acceptance help us unlock our motivation to make progress in our life?
Being truthful with ourselves with who we are rather than who and what others try to make us believe we are opens a door to a realistic pathway to self-motivation and progress in a manner that we are comfortable with on an every day basis. � Motivation comes from believing in 'self' and if we are truthful with ourselves we can slowly build motivation and progress to being a better version of ourselves at a pace that's comfortable.
3) What does it mean to be ourselves?
Being ourselves is accepting things we cannot change, embracing our faults and mistakes as life lessons and things we can build on for bettering ourselves for the future. � Being ourselves is a state of concious and subconcious acts and thoughts that bring out our core values, morals and beliefs that instigate positive steps in our future. � To be ourselves is to block out that which outside sources try to influence us in negative ways rather than positive. � Being "you" , the "true you" is loving yourself enough to take on each day as a new one with the possiblity of hope, change and forgiveness. � Being "me", well.. that is not looking like, acting like, being like anyone else. � It's a matter of being concious enough that I listen to "self" rather than any negative mumbo jumbo rattling around in my head that didn't come from inside my soul. �
�
Icebreaker: What can you do to become a better version of yourself
I can move forward with all the medical surgeries I need to get back to being able to function on a level that I don't feel incompetent & useless anymore.
and what are three goals that you can set to work on yourself? Let us know! �
Talking to a social worker, contacting a college about futher education even though I'm about to become 50 years old & reading more self-help material.
@xoSkyox
Well-thought answer Sky! Focusing on realistic aspects; Being truthful with self; Progressing in our own comfortable way i.e at our own pace; Accepting what can't be changed; Embracing ourselves completely; Considering experiences as life lessons; Blocking out outside sources which are negative influences; Listening to our own self. Loved the way you have put so much dedication and interest in writing these answers.
I totally believe that you can move forward and do everything you want to do. And, those are lovely goals - To talk to a social worker, having a college education, and reading self-help materials. Hope you fulfill all your goals and always stay blessed, stay hopeful, and stay strong dear!!
Thank you for participating!
1) How can self-awareness help us stay grounded when feeling overwhelmed?
Knowing our strengths and weaknesss, our behaviourism and though patterns help us at those times to be aware and remain grounded of the situation and feelings
2) How can self-acceptance help us unlock our motivation to make progress in our life?
Self acceptance gives us a clear and real idea about us and what we wish to improve or make progress on
3) What does it mean to be ourselves?
To be myself means to act naturally as per my personality
What can you do to become a better version of yourself and what are three goals that you can set to work on yourself?
1) stay calm and focussed in adversities is my lifelong goal
2) improve fitness levels
3) spare my time to reach out to people in need
@blissart
Good answers Bliss! Being aware of our strengths & weaknesses; Having realistic and clear ideas about self-improvement; Behaving naturally.
And, those are nice goals to have - To stay calm & focused during adversities; Improving fitness; Sparing time for the ones in need.
Thank you for participating!
Hello @Starmedia
Thank you for the amazing activity. A little introspection never harms anyone.
1) How can self-awareness help us stay grounded when feeling overwhelmed?
Self-Awareness tells us what we are, where we come from, how far we have come, and how far we still have to go. When feeling overwhelmed, I usually think about the ridiculously vast nature and stillness we experience in this ever-revolving earth. That usually makes me self-aware and motivates me. :D
2) How can self-acceptance help us unlock our motivation to make progress in our life?
Self-Acceptance for me is the key to self-motivation. Most of the time, we ourselves bring us down rather than the people or society. :)
3) What does it mean to be ourselves?
For me, everyone has a perception of who you are and you also have a perception of who you are. The lesser the difference between the two perceptions, the more real or true you are to yourself.
(If that made sense) :p
Basically, being ourselves means not changing our appearance, our opinions, our principles, etc based on our location and company. �
�
Icebreaker: What can you do to become a better version of yourself and what are three goals that you can set to work on yourself? �
Be a little kinder every day to become a better version of yourself. <3
3 goals that I set to work on myself are:
1. Become self-dependent. It's good to have people around to help you out but never become too dependent on anyone. �
2. Stay focused on creating solutions and not problems. �
3. Believe in the process, the journey rather than the result and worries.
@VerseArt
You're very welcome, Art. Glad to know you find the activity amazing!!
Great answers Art! Self-awareness answers what, where, and how questions about ourselves, our past and our future; Connection between Self-motivation and Self-acceptance; Connection between self-perception and true realistic self.
And, those are introspective goals to have - Becoming self-dependent; Focusing and creating solutions; Believing in the process.
Thank you for participating!
❤️ Here are some questions to ponder! ❤️
1) How can self-awareness help us stay grounded when feeling overwhelmed?
It can help us think before we act and consider what we are about to do/have done.
2) How can self-acceptance help us unlock our motivation to make progress in our life?
It can help us because to be able to improve we can't constantly be looking at ourselves in a negative light, so accepting yourself for who you are can help you improve areas of your life.
3) What does it mean to be ourselves?
Embrace who you are and be proud of it, there's only one of you in the world so we should be proud to express ourselves in whatever way we like.
Icebreaker: What can you do to become a better version of yourself and what are three goals that you can set to work on yourself? Let us know!
I could learn to look at myself as an equal to others.
1. Talking to others
2. Being more open
3. Contacting family/friends
@HelpfulStarlight01 @AmiablePeace77
1) How can self-awareness help us stay grounded when feeling overwhelmed?
It helps us be aware or our selves and surroundings to focus on smaller things and not allow ones mind to rush crazyily - it helps us be calmer and think clearer.
2) How can self-acceptance help us unlock our motivation to make progress in our life?
We will have more confidence to strive for thinks we want to achieve not worrying about ourselves, flaws or doubting our ability.
3) What does it mean to be ourselves?
To be genuine and honest and not hide parts of our lives as no matter weather things are good or bad they are still part of us and we should just relax and not hide in afraid of judgement.