For many years, I never understood what people saw in me that made them say things like “you’re so beautiful” or “you’re so strong” or “I can’t wait to see where you’ll be in 5 years.”

As hard as I tried to see it-accept it-I couldn’t. So, I made the decision: they were liars-every last one of them. I decided that for some twisted, inexplicable reason, they conspired to torment me with baseless compliments and praise. {I never said the decision made sense, I only said I made a decision}

And I kept that decision with me-for years, until my encounter with a little thing called truth.

Ever hear of the saying “out of the mouth of babes?” Well, out of the mouth of my babes came a simple truth.

In the course of our many at-home lessons, I asked my children to list 5 things that they loved most about themselves or their lives.

My daughter wrote: I love that one day, I’ll be as beautiful as my Mom.
My son wrote: I love that if I’m lucky, I’ll get to marry someone like my Mom, because she’s awesome.

In the wake of this truth, my “decision” crumbled, tears filled my eyes and in my heart, I was left with two choices: acceptance or denial.

I wish I could tell you that from that point on, I saw the beauty, intellect and greatness that others saw. I didn’t. But the point is I do NOW!!

Ladies, it’s hard to receive a truth that you can’t (or refuse) to see. Self-acceptance begins once you see yourself as you are and delight in the truth that IS real: you are amazing!

So, which will you choose: acceptance or denial?