Popeye was right! Or maybe it was Augustine.

We cannot change anything until we accept it. Condemnation does not liberate, it oppresses.
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/carl_jung_101266

We cannot change anything until we accept it. Condemnation does not liberate, it oppresses. Carl Jung
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/carl_jung

We cannot change anything until we accept it. Condemnation does not liberate, it oppresses. Carl Jung
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/carl_jung

 

About 30 years ago I found a book of family mottoes.  It listed what was written on coats of arms of kings, queens, literati and pretentious/famous folk from times past. I didn't much care for the ones that actually went with my surname, so I browsed until I found one to borrow.

I am what I am.

 I adopted this motto with a somewhat defiant attitude.  I was tired of trying to accommodate every Tom, Dick, Harry, and and Jane's attempt to change me. This was my motto now.  I didn't know that Augustine expressed his gratitude to God making him the way he was in Sermon 76. I don't have all that much in common with Augustine. I lightened up when I remembered that Popeye tended to say the same thing (before or after the spinach.)

Besides, there were the wise words of C.G. Jung :

We cannot change anything unless we accept it. 

Condemnation does not liberate, it oppresses.

The motto reminds me of the phrase "it is what it is," which seems to mean, "we have to accept this, even if it isn't quite what we want." 
Start with the reality first! Reality always wins!! If you are arguing against reality, you aren't going to get anything to change.  Whether it is property ownership in the middle East, a toddler who just wants to climb (or cuddle), or neighbors who think their holly bushes are just fine growing over your fence..

We cannot change anything until we accept it. Condemnation does not liberate, it oppresses.
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/carl_jun

Sadly, most people I know grew up with lots of demands to change. Work harder. Be quiet. Don't interrupt.  So many rules, directives and injunctions! No wonder they feel oppressed... and like they don't have permission to be their own true selves.

After the acceptance comes the ability (if not total enthusiasm) to change.  To become more like yourself. If you want to change, fine.  If you don't, fine.  I'm pretty sure you'll be happier with a big helping of "I am what I am"!

                                        

Challenge:  Make a list of 100 qualities that are YOU. Try to ignore judgment and opinion about whether they are good or bad qualities.  They are what they are!

We cannot change anything until we accept it. Condemnation does not liberate, it oppresses.
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/carl_jung

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