“When we accept yourself for what we are, we see still hunger for power or the acceptance of others because our self-intimacy reinforces our inner sense of security. We are no longer preoccupied with being powerful or popular. We no longer fear criticism or contradiction because we accept the reality of human limitations. Integrated, we are no longer plagued with the desire to please others because simply being true to ourselves brings lasting inner peace. We accept our feelings as part of ourself, We appreciate and listen to them. Accepting our feelings allows us to choose appropriate behavior patterns that are beneficial to ourselves and others. Personality integration allows us to enjoy life responsibly and to discover the particular meaning of our own particular lives. We are grateful for life and we deeply appreciate and love ourselves. ——An excerpt from “A Stranger To Self-Hatred” by Brennan Manning