10.    Do you find it difficult, even impossible, to accept a compliment graciously?



In the bustling tapestry of my life, woven with the threads of business responsibilities and family commitments, I find myself constantly juggling demands on my time and energy. This leaves little time for self-reflection or acknowledgement of my own worth and here exists a subtle yet significant challenge – the inability to accept compliments graciously.

When someone offers a kind word or a genuine compliment, my immediate reaction is often one of discomfort or disbelief. It's as if the sheer weight of my responsibilities has obscured my ability to recognize and appreciate my own value, leaving me feeling unworthy of the praise bestowed upon me.

The causes of this difficulty in accepting compliments are as varied as they are complex. As a middle-aged woman, I have spent decades prioritising the needs of others above my own, conditioned to believe that self-sacrifice is synonymous with strength and worthiness. In the relentless pursuit of ‘perfection’, I have become my own harshest critic, quick to dismiss any praise as undeserved or insincere.

The societal pressures placed upon women to be humble, self-effacing, and modest only serve to exacerbate the challenge of accepting compliments graciously. We are taught to downplay our achievements, to deflect praise onto others, and to diminish our own accomplishments in the name of humility.

But amidst the cacophony of self-doubt and insecurity, there’s the knowledge that self-worth is NOT contingent upon external validation but is instead an intrinsic aspect of our BEING. By learning to embrace and internalise compliments with grace and gratitude, I can begin to cultivate a deeper sense of self-acceptance and appreciation. After all, how can I expect anyone else to love and appreciate me if I don’t openly love and appreciate myself? I don’t mean in a conceited way, though. What I do mean is that we need to teach others how we wish to be regarded by taking good care of and respecting ourselves.

You are worthy of praise and appreciation, just as you are. By learning to embrace and internalise compliments with grace and gratitude, you can begin to reclaim your sense of self-worth and recognize the inherent value that resides within you. When you receive a compliment, accept it saying something like, “Thank you, I’m glad you think so.” You’ll be amazed how terrific it makes you feel.