Acceptance doesn't get as much credit as it deserves.

When I was younger this word didn't mean much except doing something that I didn't want to do. Today it means so much more. Throughout the years acceptance has brought me a lot more happiness than society gives it credit for.

You always hear that you have to love yourself, but if you don't love yourself no one can give instructions on how to do so you just must do it. But you can't get from A to B with no steps in between. For me the first step to loving myself was accepting myself. I had to accept my humanity, accept that I could never be perfect, accept my mistakes and try to have some fun with them. It took me a long time to get there but I'm happy I did.

When I accept others I am able to love them more fully as well. I am less disappointed, more understanding, and just happier all around. I felt like I had no control before, but now I do. I thought I lost control when I accepted things, but I really have more control over my life, my feelings, and my happiness.