acceptance

The foundation of our identity is shaped by our early experiences and the voices of our parents. From childhood, we internalize the beliefs and attitudes of those closest to us, which influences how we view ourselves and navigate the world. Ideally, parents offer unconditional love while guiding us to meet our potential. However, not all of us experience this perfect dynamic. Many face critical or emotionally unavailable parents, leading to a sense of needing to earn love, which can persist into adulthood.

The difference between working from a place of feeling loved and accepted versus striving for love through performance is significant. This internalized need for validation often manifests in perfectionism or workaholism, as we continue to seek approval from others. Our ability to give love to others is often rooted in how much we’ve learned to love and accept ourselves. Understanding this distinction is key to reshaping our identity and embracing the power of self-acceptance.