In this week of teacher meetings before students arrive, I have been saying:
“Even though I’m tired, I deeply and completely love and accept myself.”
“Even though I am not prepared, I deeply and completely love and accept myself.”
“Even though I was awkward in that meeting, I deeply and completely love and accept myself.”
“Even though I don’t know how to use that technology, I deeply and completely love and accept myself.”
This is not excusing behavior that might need to be changed, but not withholding unconditional love from ourselves. With unconditional love, we feel safe, expansive, in perspective, and able to take risks.