How to accept yourself when you don't feel like yourself

"Never before, in our recent history, have we faced so much uncertainty in delivering the news. Anxiety, sadness, and frustration overwhelm us, in a whirlwind of unprecedented emotions."...

It is natural to feel like we are navigating uncharted waters these days.

Suddenly, the news presents us with an uncertain future every morning.

We are living an unprecedented chapter in our recent history, full of anxiety, sadness, frustration, and a range of emotions.

We find ourselves adjusting to a "new normal" that is far from normal.

Contrary to what we see on social media, not everyone is able to be creative and productive daily while we continue to move forward in the current situation.

This moment is complicated, and you shouldn't blame yourself for not doing more than you already are.

It's understandable if you feel like you are not being yourself right now; after all, no one really is.

The gap between us confined at home and the world out there is immense.

We are facing one of the loneliest and most stressful periods yet; so it's logical to see many feeling unmotivated.

You may have never experienced anything like this before.

If you are feeling lost during this quarantine, I want to tell you that you are not alone.

Please, do not punish yourself for how you are handling this particular situation.

Whether you decide to learn something new or choose to stay under your blankets with the curtains closed all day, it's okay.

How we choose to spend our time right now varies greatly; no one feels completely like themselves.

We are all experiencing anxiety, sadness, hope, and irritability as we dream of the freedom to go out freely again.

Our emotions are scattered, and that is perfectly normal.

Remember: even though it may seem otherwise at times —we are all doing our best to navigate this period— even when it seems hard to believe.

Although isolation can make us feel lonely, we must always remember: We are not alone.

Having patience with ourselves can be a positive revolutionary act.
If we feel disconnected from the rest of the world, it's okay.

Understanding our lows or temporary struggles to relate properly to others due to stress is also part of the process.

Feeling melancholic or worried is expected under these unique circumstances.

Let's not rush back to who we were before immediately; after all, there have been significant changes both externally and internally.

Now more than ever, it is vital to show extra understanding towards ourselves and others.

Let's temporarily forget about strictly following our usual routine, including constant exercise or household order.

Facing this challenge by adapting to our personal needs is the best strategy until we finally see clarity on the other side of the tunnel.

Let's stay strong knowing deep inside: We will overcome this even when it may temporarily seem endless.

Accepting Your True Self

In my career as a psychologist, I have had the privilege of witnessing extraordinary transformations. The story I want to share today focuses on a patient whom I will call Carlos, a story that deeply illustrates how to accept ourselves when we don't feel like ourselves.

Carlos came to my office for the first time with a lost and confused look. He was at a point in his life where dissatisfaction was his constant companion. "I don't recognize myself," he said with a trembling voice, "I have forgotten who I really am." His story was not unique; many of us go through moments where we feel disconnected from our essence.

I proposed to Carlos a path to self-awareness, based not only on traditional therapy but also on the power of small daily actions. I asked him to write three things every day: what he felt, what he wanted to feel, and a small but significant action to move closer to that desired emotion.

At first, Carlos was skeptical. How could something so simple make a difference? However, as weeks turned into months, he began to notice changes. He started to recognize his deepest emotions and understand that self-acceptance meant embracing both his light and his shadows.

One afternoon, Carlos walked into my office with a different smile. This time there was a special sparkle in his eyes. "I have started to feel like myself again," he shared enthusiastically. But most importantly was his next revelation: "I have learned to be kind to myself."

This change was not magical or instantaneous. It was the result of Carlos' constant commitment to his personal process and his courage to face the unknown within him.

The most valuable lesson from this experience is universal: accepting ourselves when we don't feel like ourselves is a journey inward that requires patience, compassion, and conscious action. It's not easy, but I can assure you, based on years of therapeutic support, that it is possible and deeply transformative.

Just as Carlos found his way back to himself, you can too. Remember: the key lies in small daily actions filled with intention and self-love. Accepting who you are includes all your versions: the easy to love and the hard to understand.

Everyone has their own journey towards self-acceptance; the important thing is to take that first step... and keep walking.

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