Dear Sir/Madam,
I hope my answer will be of some assistance to you.
I empathize with the host's distress. It appears that his thoughts are unmanageable, fixated on matters that evoke guilt and discomfort. Confronted with the rigors of the college entrance exam, his depression has resurfaced. However, I commend you for pursuing your preferred exercise regimen and for expressing your emotions.
In light of the above, I would like to offer the following advice:
1. Cultivate and practice self-acceptance.
It is important to note that while it is challenging to alter the past, one's perspective on it can be modified. Prolonged dwelling on guilt and self-blame not only hinders the resolution of the issue but also perpetuates a negative state of mind. It may be beneficial to strive for a more comprehensive understanding and acceptance of oneself. It is evident that despite our imperfections and missteps, we acted in the best way we could in the given circumstances. Only when we embrace our shortcomings can we muster the courage to change and take action.
It is evident that self-acceptance is the foundation of self-confidence and self-transformation. A lack of self-acceptance can lead to feelings of low self-worth and shame, which can in turn contribute to a range of negative experiences, including anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and personality disorders.
Self-acceptance is defined as an individual's positive attitude towards oneself and one's characteristics. It entails being happy with one's current situation, not being proud of one's strengths, and not feeling inferior about one's weaknesses. Furthermore, self-acceptance is a fundamental right that individuals are born with.
It is not necessary to have outstanding merits, achievements, or make changes that others want in order to be accepted.
According to psychologist Maslow, a healthy person should be able to accept themselves and human nature without being annoyed or complaining about it. This is akin to someone who does not question the nature of water or rocks. We can thrive despite our shortcomings and flaws.
Accepting oneself entails understanding one's role, recognizing one's needs and desires, and acknowledging one's capabilities and limitations.
Accepting oneself requires remaining calm and patient in the face of imperfections, with the belief that continued improvement and growth are possible.
Accepting oneself requires valuing and cherishing one's personal attributes, respecting oneself and others, and objectively assessing differences between oneself and others. It also necessitates recognizing that one's life is a unique journey. Even in the absence of external validation, self-acceptance is possible.
Accepting oneself entails recognizing that a particular action or behavior is inappropriate, without necessarily concluding that one's overall character is flawed. One is able to acknowledge mistakes and understand that they are an inherent part of life. Mistakes serve as a catalyst for growth and learning.
To accept oneself is to accept all the real phenomena in life. This requires a balance between objectivity and openness, avoiding both subjectivity and bigotry, as well as arrogance and humility.
As Romain Rolland famously observed, "There is only one kind of heroism, and that is to love life after you have learned its truth."
Therefore, it is also important to love oneself after having a clear understanding of oneself.
How might I achieve self-acceptance?
The difficulty in accepting oneself is often related to one's growth experience. A lack of unconditional acceptance during one's formative years can result in a pattern of self-rejection and criticism. When faced with perceived shortcomings, this internal voice can manifest as a barrier to self-acceptance.
It is therefore evident that self-acceptance requires practice. I myself also practised for a long time before I gradually improved my level of self-acceptance. However, it is important to note that complete self-acceptance is a challenging process. From my own experience, it is clear that the more we accept ourselves, the more confident we will become and the more motivated we will be to change.
It is therefore recommended that self-acceptance is viewed as a skill that can be developed through daily practice, rather than as an innate trait.
The following five strategies, as outlined by clinical psychologists, can be employed to cultivate self-acceptance:
1. Establish the objective of self-acceptance.
"The path to self-acceptance begins with intention," says psychologist Jeffrey Samber. "It is important that we set a goal for ourselves to transform a world of blame, doubt, and shame into a world of inclusion, acceptance, and trust." This idea acknowledges that self-loathing does not lead to a satisfying life.
Sambur stated, "If I set the objective that a life of self-acceptance is preferable to a life of self-hatred, I will initiate a chain reaction within myself to adapt to a peaceful life."
2. Record your strengths.
Record one of your strengths each day, affirm your value, and recognize your strengths. This process will help you identify your strengths and build confidence.
In today's society, shortcomings can be compensated for through cooperation, and strengths will reflect unique value.
3. Seek support from interpersonal relationships.
It is beneficial to spend time with people you feel comfortable with, who will give you unconditional acceptance, support, and love. This will help you to establish a supportive relationship that will make you feel more stable, peaceful, and joyful.
4. Engage in constructive dialogue with your inner self.
Imagine interacting with your optimal self. Envision that optimal self, deep within, stepping out of your body and observing your current work environment or situation, and providing guidance on the best course of action.
This visual separation will allow you to move beyond your current self-limiting beliefs and behaviors, and facilitate the use of your inner wisdom—your best self—to drive positive change.
This exercise teaches individuals how to be their own best advocates and demonstrate compassion and self-love. It can be completed in a few minutes and is an effective tool for navigating crises or seeking guidance or self-comfort.
5. Model the desired behavior until it becomes a habit.
If you do not believe you are a valuable person, it is essential to first instill self-worth and reinforce this belief. Only when we can unconditionally accept ourselves can we finally forgive our mistakes and cease seeking external validation.
It is indisputable that we have made mistakes, as have others. However, our identity is not contingent on our mistakes.
When we lack something inside, we tend to look for it outside. If we cannot accept ourselves, we often seek external validation from others. However, external sources of approval and evaluation are inherently unstable. Therefore, to gain stable acceptance, we must turn inward. When we have accepted ourselves, we become less concerned with the approval and evaluation of others, and we can gain true inner freedom.
It is advisable to avoid deliberate resistance to negative thoughts, as this can exacerbate the problem.
It is important to understand that these thoughts are merely thoughts and not facts. Thoughts can be modified and adjusted. By making positive adjustments to your thoughts, you can expect to experience a change in your feelings.
It is important to recognize that thoughts do not necessarily reflect reality. Rather, they are simply a product of the mind and can be accepted as such. Attempting to reinforce these thoughts may not be beneficial and may even hinder progress. Instead, it is advisable to accept their existence and work towards making positive adjustments.
It is important to note that it is not uncommon for unusual, negative, or disruptive thoughts to arise. These are what we refer to as "distracting thoughts," and like emotions, they follow a specific process from onset to resolution. If you acknowledge their existence and recognize them as meaningless "distracting thoughts," you can choose to ignore them, which will prevent them from affecting you and allow them to dissipate.
Conversely, if you focus on it, debate it, etc., you will become constrained by it.
It is therefore recommended that you adopt a method of allowing events to unfold naturally while taking action where necessary.
It is natural for distracting thoughts to arise, and it is important to allow them to exist. While maintaining a flexible approach, it is essential to focus on objective reality, study when necessary, engage in conversation when appropriate, exercise when beneficial, and complete tasks in a timely manner.
It is possible that initially, your distracting thoughts may still cause you discomfort. However, if you believe that they will naturally dissipate in time and if you endeavour to fulfil your obligations in your professional life, then those distracting thoughts and emotions will disappear without you even noticing as you proceed with your work.
Additionally, the following methods can be employed to release emotions as desired:
If you are seeking to eliminate pain, you may consider expressing your deep feelings and thoughts in writing. There is no need to be concerned about the neatness of the handwriting or the logic of the content; you should express yourself as much as you see fit. Additionally, you may find it beneficial to identify an appropriate individual with whom you can discuss your inner concerns and pressures. This can provide you with the opportunity to receive love and support from your friends.
If the issue is self-negation, it is recommended to improve one's sense of self-identification, give oneself positive and positive evaluations, and practice self-affirmation. Additionally, books such as "Accept Yourself: Transcend Your Inherent Weaknesses," "Accept Your Imperfections," and "Rebuilding Your Life" can be beneficial in improving cognition.
If you are experiencing sadness due to a particular individual, you may wish to consider identifying that person, engaging in a sincere exchange, and expressing your needs to them. It is often the case that expressing our needs and feelings can help to alleviate feelings of depression.
If you need to release anger, you can do so through vigorous exercise. Examples of suitable activities include boxing, running, and playing football. You can also squeeze stress balls, pound pillows or sandbags, tear paper, and so on. You can also use the technique of an empty chair to release emotions. This involves placing an empty chair in the room and assuming that the person you want to talk to is sitting in it. You can then express your thoughts and feelings (including abuse and anger) to the chair.
Please accept this message as a cordial expression of my best regards.
Comments
I understand how you feel, and it's okay to have these feelings. Sometimes we need to forgive ourselves for things that happened in the past. It's part of growing up and learning.
It sounds like you're carrying a heavy burden from the past. Maybe talking about these feelings with someone who understands can help ease your mind. Sharing might be a way to start letting go.
You've been through a lot, and it's important to acknowledge your efforts. Perhaps seeking professional support could provide you with strategies to cope better with these thoughts and emotions.
The pressure you're feeling is immense, but remember to take one step at a time. Small victories can add up, and focusing on what you can control today might help reduce the weight of the past.
Your family and teachers care about you, which is a strong support system. Maybe involving them more in what you're experiencing could offer some relief and guidance on moving forward.