ACCEPTED
Journal Prompts for when you’re feeling accepted…
Journaling when you feel accepted helps reinforce your positive self-image and gratitude for supportive relationships. It encourages reflection on the moments and people that contribute to your sense of acceptance, deepening your appreciation.
Where do you feel this feeling in your body? How does it show up physically for you?
How do you talk to yourself when you’re feeling accepted? Is this different than when you are not experiencing this feeling? How can you incorporate this next time you’re craving this feeling?
Write a list of 5 things that make you feel accepted– remember to revisit when you need a boost.
What specific moments or interactions made me feel accepted recently?
How do my relationships contribute to my sense of belonging?
What qualities do I appreciate in myself that make me feel worthy of acceptance?
What challenges or insecurties have prevented me from feeling accepted in the past? How can I use this information to foster this feeling more in the future?
For professional success …
Leverage Networking OpportunitiesActively seek out and participate in networking events, team meetings, or professional development workshops where you can engage with others in your field. Use this acceptance as a foundation to share your ideas and insights, and build meaningful connections with colleagues.
Why It Works: Feeling accepted boosts your confidence and willingness to connect, allowing you to express your thoughts authentically. It fosters a sense of belonging that can enhance collaboration and open doors to new opportunities.
To fuel personal growth and success …
Gratitude Journaling: Set aside time each week to reflect on the people and experiences that contribute to your sense of acceptance. This practice helps reinforce the positive feelings associated with acceptance and gratitude. By regularly acknowledging these aspects, you cultivate a more positive self-image and enhance your emotional resilience, supporting ongoing personal growth. Learn how to get started here.
Savor the Emotion: Savoring is an emotion regulation strategy focused on fully experiencing and extending positive emotions. Too often, we let good moments pass by without truly appreciating them. By pausing to savor these experiences, we amplify and prolong the positive feelings, making them last longer and enhancing our overall well-being.Discover the benefits and tips for practicing HERE.
Breathing Exercises…
Savoring with Deep Breathing
Sit or lie down comfortably with your back straight and shoulders relaxed.
Place one hand on your heart and the other on your belly, just below your ribcage.
Inhale: Breathe in slowly through your nose for a count of four. Allow your belly to rise as you fill your lungs with air while keeping your chest relatively still.
Pause: Hold your breath for a count of two
Exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of six - Feel your belly fall as you release the air, keeping your chest relatively still.
Focus on Your Positive Emotion:
As you continue deep breathing, bring to mind the happiness you’re experiencing (happiness, delight, joy).
Visualize the moment or experience that brought about this positive emotion.
Breath and Savor:
On each inhale, imagine that you are breathing in more of this happy feeling letting it fill your entire being.
On each exhale, release any tension or distractions, focusing solely on the emotion.
4-7-8 Breathing
Why to Use It: When you're feeling accepted, practicing 4-7-8 breathing can deepen your sense of calm and mindfulness. This exercise helps you stay centered and present, enhancing your experience of acceptance by reducing anxiety and promoting a state of tranquility.How to Do This Practice:
Find a Comfortable Position: Sit or lie down in a quiet space where you won't be disturbed. You can close your eyes to help focus.
Inhale: Breathe in quietly through your nose for a count of 4 seconds. Feel your abdomen expand as you fill your lungs with air.
Hold: Retain your breath for a count of 7 seconds. During this time, allow yourself to connect with the feeling of acceptance and appreciate the present moment.
Exhale: Breathe out completely through your mouth, making a whooshing sound for a count of 8 seconds. Imagine releasing any tension or distractions with each exhale.
Repeat: Complete this cycle for 4-5 breaths, focusing on the rhythm of your breathing and the sensations in your body. Each inhale should bring in feelings of acceptance, while each exhale allows you to let go of any negativity.
Reflect: After your final exhale, take a moment to notice how you feel. Sit in stillness and embrace the sense of acceptance you've cultivated during this practice.