Most people need love and acceptance a lot more than they need advice.” Bob Goff.

Acceptance and/or approval is something most, if not all  of us crave for in everything we do. As a child, you want your parents’ acceptance and praise for every achievement. As a teenager, you want your parents and community to accept the fact you are different and you don’t want to be stereotyped.  Everyone needs acceptance and/or approval, you don’t need to say it. I need acceptance and approval sometimes, especially when things seem to not make logical sense. 

 

A friend put it better this way, “Someone may need to see you accept them even if you don’t approve of their ways.” You may not approve but don’t withhold your acceptance. Acceptance says to the person you extend it to – “Even though I may not approve or agree to what you are doing or are about to do, I will be here for you. It will not change the fact that I care for you”. Some parents may need to say this to their rebellious teenagers today. Acceptance is driven by love.

 

Acceptance does not compromise your stand, convictions or values, rather it reinforces its integrity. Don’t try to change someone; accept and show them unreserved love and sit back and watch an undeniable transformation. It may take a long time to achieve, but this real change will stand the test of time.

 

Acceptance is offering your support when it’s least convenient or easy. We live in a world that’s too quick to condemn and judge without any benefit of doubt. Anyone who offers their support in the face of contradiction or complication understands what it means to be in such a position. Not everyone who is lost wants to be. Most get lost while trying to find their way.

 

Why should you extend your acceptance?

 

1. Your acceptance reinforces your support and love for the person

2. Your acceptance will help boost the person’s confidence and boldness in their recovery process

3. Your acceptance tells the person they are not an outcast after all. What happened to them could happen to anyone. Don’t beat yourself up

 

Tagged: ACCEPTANCE, APPROVAL