Overcoming Limited Beliefs: The Journey to Self-Acceptance with a Disability

Ever done a jigsaw puzzle and tried to forcibly place a piece where it didn’t go? Unsuccessfully, you retry until fathoming that you can’t force what is not meant to be.

The metaphor depicts a perfect picture of the occurrence behind obtaining self-acceptance. Reaching a level where you accept yourself wholeheartedly is not an easy task. In fact, it is a bumpy process filled with uncertainty and apprehension. One, where it will knock you out repeatedly up to the point of contemplating surrendering. But don’t! 

Although the journey might be exhausting or undoubtedly impossible at times, it does not imply it cannot be completed.

On the contrary, only the strongest have the power to conquer the many challenges launched their way by altering their limited thoughts while fully embracing their authenticity. Even so, additional trials can arise when having a disability as it is common to disapprove of what is uncommon. However, something worth having has never come easy!

A disability is composed of arrays of limitations varying from person to person. Sadly, we live in a land where being uniquely different is undesirable. Often, believing there is something that must be fixed or managed when in reality, being understood is all that is needed. Gradually, unpleasant thoughts begin presenting themselves, bringing forth limited beliefs of not being capable/good enough. All lies, allow me to inform you…

Those lies are often ingrained in our brains as children unknowingly cultivating a bed of self-rejection.

The creation of the nonacceptance mindset is commonly founded upon the presumption of lacking the competence to achieve your dream solely due to having a different method of doing things. Also, the schools’ superiors discouraging dispositions did not help either. Before long, the positive attitude turned from “I can do anything” to “Am I good enough?”

Then, you begin rejecting everything that makes you unique; walk- too slow- a wheelchair is needed; speech- too difficult to understand- better resort to the use of a communicative device; writing- a little messy but legible still unacceptable.

Leisurely, defamatory self-talk emerges taking the central stage as if they rule the place. Little by little, our confidence crumbled magnifying the elements of comparison, therefore, hurting our self-esteem. Having the ability to undertake things differently doesn’t necessarily indicate they are unattainable, far from it. Simply, it signifies fostering an indomitable spirit and the stamina needed to not recoil from any obstacles. Life is tough, regardless! 

Eliminating inadequate beliefs is no walk in the park! It is one that requires many years of work to accomplish and rarely noticing any progress. Periodically, you might want to give up, but your desire to be better doesn’t allow you to surrender.

Preferably, you end up pushing more vigorously than ever because you didn’t make it this far for nothing.

Now, it’s you versus the restricted notions planted in your mind that are no longer welcome. The thoughts will put up a decent fight to stay housed in your mind, unaware you have the power to evict them. Journaling, meditation, and seeing a therapist helped me to believe in myself again. Meditation is an excellent tool to learn how to let go of what no longer serves you meanwhile accepting what it is. It hasn’t been an easy task, but a beneficial one, nonetheless. It has taken years to claim my power back and forgive myself for neglecting my well-being to please a society that couldn’t see past the unfamiliar.

 Nothing is more valuable than obtaining a desirable level of self-acceptance. If you don’t accept yourself as the exceptional individual that you are, then who will? Permanently, love yourself so much that you will radiate happiness and self-love <3.

Here are some steps you can take to start your self-acceptance journey and building your self-esteem!

Stay Beautiful XoXo

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