專四晨讀美文：Self-Acceptance Leads to Happiness

Self-Acceptance Leads to Happiness
Finding acceptance
is a natural desire of most people.
When we are young,
it is important to us to be accepted
by a group and to be seen as "cool" by our peers.
To do this,
we will often adopt the views and interests of the group
rather than develop our own.
Over time, however,
we have the opportunity to learn to accept ourselves.
People who have done this
are confident in their true abilities;
they do not feel the need to create a facade
to impress other people.
They are concerned
with whether their actions produce worthwhile results
rather than with how they are seen by others.
Less secure people are quite different.
Instead of finding security in themselves,
they look for other people to provide it.
This kind of person
constantly agrees with everything others suggest,
for fear of having their own ideas rejected.
Arrogant or defensive people are also usually insecure;
in an attempt to hide their insecurities,
they belittle or blame others.
Secure people do not give up
when faced with a difficult situation;
they say "I can" rather than "I can't."
Knowing that each day is an opportunity
to use their talents to acquire good health,
good friendships, and great happiness,
they always put their best foot forward.
Contented people do not judge others,
nor do they judge themselves.
They can appreciate the differences
between themselves and other people.
Recognizing the details
that we cannot change about ourselves
is also a sign of personal growth.
We cannot change our height,
so why waste energy complaining about being short?
Our energy would be better spent on
more constructive projects.
Instead of dwelling on personal characteristics
we are not satisfied with,
we ought to focus more on what we are good at.
Such expressions as "Love thyself"
and "to thine own self be true"
are about self-acceptance and confidence,
as well as honesty and morality.
We should consider them to be good advice,
and treat them as signposts
showing the way to happiness within.