Unconditionally Me

Instead of studying for a biology quiz tomorrow, I found this (poem?) and decided it was much more interesting than memorizing the correct order of the taxonomic scheme.

As I was reading it, I imaged this as a letter I wrote to my anxious brain, perfectionism tendencies and self criticisms. Sometimes a little self compassion is not only nice, it's absolutely necessary. Unfortunately, I tend to forget that more than I like to admit.

Unconditionally Me

By: Jim Messina

I am who I am

You cannot change me so please do not try

So let up with the criticisms, put downs and attempts to make me fit your "box" for me

Face it; it is easier for you just to accept me as I am than to work at making me who you want me to be

Of course you do not have to agree with what I say or do

Just accept me as the human I am

I am weak, have sinned, failed, and have made many mistakes in my life

Hey, that's what makes me the "unique me" that I am

I will never be perfect, ideal or the "image" you want for me

Accept me for who I am as I accept you for who you are

Let's have fun together and allow our "real selves" the freedom to be us

We can be a team of unconditional mutual love and acceptance if you relax and let it happen.

Right now the best part of recovery is discovering who I am without my eating disorder. It's taken me almost a year to reach this point and actually begin the process of allowing myself to be Unconditionally Me. Finally, my faults have been admitted. Finally, I can forgive and start to rebuild.

Progress.