Self-Acceptance Poems

Published: October 2019

Each one of us is unique. We have each been given gifts and talents that we can use to make the world a better place, but too often, we allow society to make us feel interior. We struggle with low self-esteem and buy into the lie that we don't have anything to offer the world. We look at the strengths of other people while only focusing on our weaknesses. These thoughts become self-destructive, and before we know it, we begin hating who we are.

We all must walk the journey toward self-acceptance. For some, the path is smooth, while for others, it has many bumps and twists along the way. These poems showcase the journey many people have walked to find self-acceptance and truly love who they are. May you find the strength and courage to love yourself and see your unique qualities as strengths and not weaknesses.

16 Poems About Accepting Who You Are

1 - 16 of 16

Sort Poems

1. My Personal Quest
- By Patricia A Fleming
- Published: March 2018
Searching To Find Ourselves

in Inspirational Poems

For most of my life, I've been on a quest
To discover just who I might be,
Earnestly searching, day after day,
So desperate to recognize me.

For most of my life, I've been on a quest
To discover just who I might be,
Earnestly searching, day after day,
So desperate to recognize me.

I've felt moments of utter fulfillment
And moments I couldn't go on,
But I knew for the sake of my heart and my soul,
To succeed, I would have to be strong.

But the people around me seemed so lost themselves
That I feared I might be on my own.
But then there'd be someone who would reach out and help
And remind me I wasn't alone.

I've wanted so much to be happy,
To know what it was to feel peace,
And I thought if I finally felt sure of myself,
Then the pain and the struggles would cease.

But I've learned that this journey is endless;
The discoveries are fresh every day,
And no matter how much I might know of myself,
They'll be times I will still lose my way.

And as I've grown older, I truly believe
I may never know all I can be.
But the answers are not waiting out in the world
But have always laid right inside me.

We're all on this quest to discover ourselves,
Together but through our own ways,
Overcoming whatever might get in our paths,
So we can feel better someday.

But always remember not to stray far
From what matters and what's really true.
In this life you don't have to be perfect.
In the end, you just have to be you.
More...
Go To Poem Page
- Stories 2
- Shares 8919
- Favorited 112
- Votes 1038
- Rating 4.59
Featured Shared Story

Wow this poem is so beautiful! I'm surprised there aren't more comments under it! Right now I feel like I don't know myself and need to discover who I am. This piece really comforted me to...

Read complete story

Share your story! (2)
2. Before I...
- By Insiya K. Patanwala
- Published: January 2017
Accepting Who You Are

in Change Poems

Before I became strong, I knew what it was like
To be weak,
How difficult it is to love yourself,
To find the wholeness that you seek.

Before I became strong, I knew what it was like
To be weak,
How difficult it is to love yourself,
To find the wholeness that you seek.

Before I knew the light,
I have had my fair share of darkness, too,
Where my world fell into a hopelessness
And I didn't know how to get through.

For I have known the tears it takes,
The courage to stand up again,
When you are broken down and bruised
And you know nothing but the pain.

You forget to appreciate love,
If you haven't seen the hate,
Till you forget the meaning of smile and laughter,
And your heart is left abate.

I have known the strength and courage
It requires to get it right,
To face the things that hold you down
And hold your head up and fight.

Before I was who I am now,
I was someone I didn't want to be.
I was lost, battered, and defeated,
Before I knew how to be me!

More...
Go To Poem Page
- Stories 3
- Shares 11855
- Favorited 302
- Votes 1135
- Rating 4.48
Featured Shared Story

This poem touched my heart on many levels. The writer clearly expressed how hard self-love is to be achieved, however, without it there is little chance to be a good partner to others....

Read complete story

Share your story! (3)

3. Be The Best Of Whatever You Are
- By Douglas Malloch
in Famous Inspirational Poems

If you can't be a pine on the top of the hill,
Be a scrub in the valley — but be
The best little scrub by the side of the rill;
Be a bush if you can't be a tree.

If you can't be a pine on the top of the hill,
Be a scrub in the valley — but be
The best little scrub by the side of the rill;
Be a bush if you can't be a tree.

If you can't be a bush be a bit of the grass,
And some highway happier make;
If you can't be a muskie then just be a bass —
But the liveliest bass in the lake!

We can't all be captains, we've got to be crew,
There's something for all of us here,
There's big work to do, and there's lesser to do,
And the task you must do is the near.

If you can't be a highway then just be a trail,
If you can't be the sun be a star;
It isn't by size that you win or you fail —
Be the best of whatever you are!
More...
Go To Poem Page
- Stories 7
- Shares 11442
- Favorited 42
- Votes 1177
- Rating 4.42
Featured Shared Story

Two years ago I was in depression and isolated. I felt frequently that I was worthless and deserved no love, no appreciation, no friends. I kept myself aloof from everyone, thinking that I...

Read complete story

Share your story! (7)
4. Love After Love
- By Derek Walcott
in Famous Inspirational Poems

The time will come
when, with elation,
you will greet yourself arriving
at your own door, in your own mirror,

The time will come
when, with elation,
you will greet yourself arriving
at your own door, in your own mirror,
and each will smile at the other's welcome,

And say, sit here. Eat.
You will love again the stranger who was yourself.
Give wine. Give bread. Give back your heart
to itself, to the stranger who has loved you

all your life, whom you ignored
for another, who knows you by heart.
Take down the love letters from the bookshelf,

the photographs, the desperate notes,
peel your own image from the mirror.
Sit. Feast on your life.
More...
Go To Poem Page
- Stories 1
- Shares 3114
- Favorited 38
- Votes 309
- Rating 4.47
Featured Shared Story

My husband died 10 years ago. He was the love of my life, my soul-mate, my best friend. I have not known how to 'adjust' to him being gone until I read this poem, "Love After Love." Everyone...

Read complete story

Share your story! (1)

5. Unique
- By Abimbola T. Alabi
- Published: January 2018
Poem About Resisting Conformity

in Inspirational Poems

Because I know who I am,
I'm at ease and free.
I can't be like others,
And they can't be me.

Because I know who I am,
I'm at ease and free.
I can't be like others,
And they can't be me.

I've got fading scars,
An unusual physique,
But it all works together
To make me unique.

I've got hidden strengths,
Some obvious flaws.
Still I am who I am,
For better, for worse.

I don't have to blend in;
I won't live a lie.
I can't please everyone;
I won't even try.

Some call me proud;
Others stare at me in alarm.
But I'm not one to bother,
Because I know who I am.
More...
Go To Poem Page
- Stories 9
- Shares 9678
- Favorited 169
- Votes 1085
- Rating 4.47
Featured Shared Story

This poem speaks to me because I used to have a hard time accepting who I am. This is one of the deepest poems I've read yet. But now I've finally accepted who I am. Thanks for the inspiration.

Share your story! (9)
6. Just Because
- By Angie M Flores
- Published: August 2008
Poems About Being Unique And Special

in Inspirational Poems by Teens

Just because I have never done drugs, doesn't mean I'm not cool.
Just because I am a virgin, doesn't make me lame.
Just because I'm not a fighter, doesn't mean I'm weak.
Just because I am not a party girl, doesn't mean I can't hang.

Just because I have never done drugs, doesn't mean I'm not cool.
Just because I am a virgin, doesn't make me lame.
Just because I'm not a fighter, doesn't mean I'm weak.
Just because I am not a party girl, doesn't mean I can't hang.
Just because I get good grades, doesn't mean I'm a nerd.
Just because teachers like me, doesn't mean I am a teacher's pet.
Just because I am not a rebel, doesn't mean I'm scared.
Just because I am quiet, doesn't mean I don't speak up for what I believe in.
Just because I have morals, doesn't make me a goody two shoes.
Just because I walk away from trouble, doesn't make me a pushover.
Just because I think before I act, doesn't make me a loser.

I am who I am, and this is who I shall forever be.
I do not care what others think of me.
Like me or not, that is your choice.
Accept me for who I am.
More...
Go To Poem Page
- Stories 17
- Shares 1808
- Favorited 131
- Votes 465
- Rating 4.45
Featured Shared Story

It's a really cool poem, kudos to you. Anytime, I think about composing one, I cry buckets instead. Being a teen is really difficult.

Share your story! (17)
7. Never Give Up
- By Becky
- Published: December 2015
in Inspirational Poems by Teens

Never give up,
Never give in.
Move onward and upward with strength from within.

Never give up,
Never give in.
Move onward and upward with strength from within.

Always believe,
Always look forward.
Never be the one who is seen as a coward.

Remember the past,
Look for the future.
Always remember it's often good to be obscure.

You are special,
You are unique.
To go far in life is what you should seek.

You are brilliant,
You prove to be amazing every day,
And there is someone who will love you in every way.
More...
Go To Poem Page
- Stories 3
- Shares 5144
- Favorited 63
- Votes 801
- Rating 4.39
Featured Shared Story

This poem has given me hope, I am currently doing my B tech of which I was about to deregister it because its all seemed so hard to uphill, but reading this poem gave me strength to face...

Read complete story

Share your story! (3)
8. Don't Give Up On Yourself
- By Katy A. Brown
- Published: June 2017
Finding Yourself

in Courage Poems

I'm on my way.
They may ask me, "Where to?"
Well, that I cannot say...
For even I have no clue.

I'm on my way.
They may ask me, "Where to?"
Well, that I cannot say...
For even I have no clue.

I know it's rather far,
For it has to make me whole.
The road to the stars,
The path to my soul.

I must go alone,
But I'll miss you all, believe me.
I must travel into the unknown,
I must sail all of the seas.

You see, I've lost something of mine.
It's special and grand...
Magnificent in its design.
How I lost it is hard to understand.

What did I lose?
Well...I'm not exactly sure.
Please, my confusion you must excuse...
I just know I must find a cure.

I have a terrible disease,
The name of it escapes me.
But it stops your hair from blowing in the breeze.
It stops your heart from feeling free.

I think it's called "Lack of Adventure,"
But correct me if I'm wrong.
That is why I must go on this venture,
For my very essence I must prolong.

I think I may have left my heart somewhere
Or the part of me that believes....
I'll be back soon, I swear!
But for awhile, I must leave.

I know I'm on my way,
And though I may not know where
Myself I cannot betray...
For I know I'm somewhere out there.
More...
Go To Poem Page
- Stories 0
- Shares 1495
- Favorited 44
- Votes 258
- Rating 4.54
9. The New Me
- By J. Dezz
- Published: April 2014
Changing For The Better

in Depression Poems by Teens

Sometimes it gets better.
Sometimes you heal.
Sometimes my eyes get wetter
Waiting for these scars to heal.

Sometimes it gets better.
Sometimes you heal.
Sometimes my eyes get wetter
Waiting for these scars to heal.

The scars on the outer,
The scars on the inner.
I scream and I cry louder and louder.
My voice just gets tired and my lifeline much thinner.

That was the old me,
The scared me,
The dying.
That was the hurt me,
The bleeding me,
The crying.

The night that I changed is still so clear.
I swallowed those pills with not a single fear.
I stumbled and fell, but I didn't care.
No more crying, no cutting, not one more blank stare.

The pain was unbearable; what had I done?
I haven't lived yet, my life had just begun.
I awoke my guardian, to the clinic we went.
I slept off the pills and awoke to resent.

I felt so ill, inside and out.
I went to a center and learned all about
How to be fine, how to live without
The blades and the pills; it's all over now.

Meet the new me.
She's smiling but scarred.
Meet the new me.
She shoots for the stars.
Meet the new me.
She's doing fine.
Meet the new me.
She tries and she strives.
Meet the new me.
She's glad she's alive.
More...
Go To Poem Page
- Stories 2
- Shares 424
- Favorited 36
- Votes 110
- Rating 4.49
Featured Shared Story

That is so amazing. It really touched me because I nearly killed myself because I used to self-harm I don't do it anymore, but sometimes I'm tempted, but I get through it and you will too!...

Read complete story

Share your story! (2)
10. Be Proud Of Who You Are
- By S Raine
- Published: November 2010
I Am Unique

in Life Lesson Poems

I come with no wrapping or pretty pink bows.
I am who I am, from my head to my toes.
I tend to get loud when speaking my mind.
Even a little crazy some of the time.

I come with no wrapping or pretty pink bows.
I am who I am, from my head to my toes.
I tend to get loud when speaking my mind.
Even a little crazy some of the time.
I'm not a size 5 and don't care to be.
You can be you and I can be me.
I try to stay strong when pain knocks me down.
And the times that I cry are when no one's around.
To error is human or so that's what they say.
Well, tell me who's perfect anyway.
More...
Go To Poem Page
- Stories 18
- Shares 29236
- Favorited 217
- Votes 3427
- Rating 4.42
Featured Shared Story

I love this poem! People are always trying to fit in and be normal. I've always disregarded being "normal." What's the point? Why would I be someone I am not? I am perfectly happy the way I...

Read complete story

Share your story! (18)
11. I Am Worthy
- By Alison Malee
- Published: November 2020
in Inspirational Poems

I am worthy. There is nothing
that can or will happen today that
could convince me otherwise.

I am worthy. There is nothing
that can or will happen today that
could convince me otherwise.

I am worthy. There is nothing
that can or will happen today that
could convince me otherwise.

I am worthy. There is nothing
that can or will happen today that
could convince me otherwise.

I am worthy. There is nothing
that can or will happen today that
could convince me otherwise.

Repeat.
More...
Go To Poem Page
- Stories 0
- Shares 179
- Favorited 16
- Votes 56
- Rating 4.36
12. I Believe
- By Emmah A. Odhiambo
- Published: June 5, 2022
Believe In Yourself And You'll Accomplish Anything

in Inspirational Poems

Into this world I came,
The light of the sun,
On my face I craved.
In the cool breezing wind,

Into this world I came,
The light of the sun,
On my face I craved.
In the cool breezing wind,
Under the moonlight I sat,
I thought,
I pondered,
I knew,
I was great.

Slowly they got to me,
Their expectations,
I couldn't catch up.
Their opinions,
They cut to the deep.
Their constant watch,
I became stunned.
Beauty faded,
Strength waxed away,

And then I grew up.
They mattered no more.
All the lies I believed,
Like a flood on sloppy hills,
I let them run down.
New mindsets I built,
Strong confidence I gained,
Because I knew for the best,
It was I that mattered.

Like the Phoenix, I rise,
From the ashes of doubt,
From the ashes of contempt.
Like an eagle I soar,
To the ends of the earth,
To the storms that may be,
Because I have believed
I have all it takes,
I have all I need.

My dreams run wild,
My imagination unlimited.
I know what I want,
I know how to get it.
Like the sun,
I shine my light.
Like the stars,
My glory prevails,
Because I have believed.
More...
Go To Poem Page
- Stories 0
- Shares 72
- Favorited 2
- Votes 16
- Rating 4.63
13. Who Am I?
- By Natasha L. Bishop
- Published: December 2016
Poem About Finding Myself

in Meaningful Poems

Who am I, you ask?
I am a lion who comes off as a lamb.
I am an ocean with waves big enough to drown.
I am a roller coaster of emotions.

Who am I, you ask?
I am a lion who comes off as a lamb.
I am an ocean with waves big enough to drown.
I am a roller coaster of emotions.
I am a hater of ignorant people, liars,
And people who use others for a gain.
I am a lost soul, a naive child.
I am one who has seen enough
That would make most people's skin crawl.
I am me, not you.
I am who I am.
Judging me is only a negative reflection on you.
So who am I, you ask?
I am me...just me.
More...
Go To Poem Page
- Stories 5
- Shares 3825
- Favorited 68
- Votes 618
- Rating 4.38
Featured Shared Story

My face is the place
I hide my pain.
My face is a place
Where raindrops fall hiding the tears that have been there for so many years.
My face is the place that hides my pain.
My face...

Read complete story

Share your story! (5)
14. I Am Someone...
- By Brittany Kelley
- Published: October 2016
Proud Of My Qualities

in Meaningful Poems

I am someone who gives all she has every time.
I am someone who talks twice as much as she listens.
I am someone who will tell you what you mean to her on a dime.
I am someone who is nice and caring, whose shadow glistens.

I am someone who gives all she has every time.
I am someone who talks twice as much as she listens.
I am someone who will tell you what you mean to her on a dime.
I am someone who is nice and caring, whose shadow glistens.

I am someone who can give you everything.
I am someone who knows what she wants.
I am someone who has dreams like Martin Luther King.
I am someone who is as warm as a basket of croissants.

I am someone who wears her heart on her sleeve.
I am someone who gets taken advantage of.
I am someone who has never had a kiss on New Year's Eve.
I am someone who is ready to fall in love.

I am someone who believes in honesty and trust.
I am someone who loves what she does.
I am someone who believes self-happiness and love are a must.
I am someone who tries to be fair and just.

I am someone who is ready for anything.
I am someone who is telling you who I am.
I am someone who has that crazy extra little zing.
I am someone who can be your grand slam.

This is who I am.

More...
Go To Poem Page
- Stories 1
- Shares 436
- Favorited 31
- Votes 84
- Rating 4.32
Featured Shared Story

I had a professor in college tell me...there are two types of people in the world: the French-fry droppers and the French-fry picker-uppers. You and I, my dear, we are the picker-uppers. We...

Read complete story

Share your story! (1)
15. Trials
- By Alexis M. Vogler
- Published: July 2016
Strength Through The Hard Times Of Life

in Inspirational Poems

Sometimes you may think you're alone,
And your feelings make you seem like a clone.
Deep down you are whole,
Not an empty bowl.

Sometimes you may think you're alone,
And your feelings make you seem like a clone.
Deep down you are whole,
Not an empty bowl.
Someone loves you,
And all the words they say are true.
Trust in yourself
To be strong
And true and whole and mighty.
This time will pass;
It's just a trial.
Just walk down this aisle,
Head held high;
You're strong.

More...
Go To Poem Page
- Stories 1
- Shares 1880
- Favorited 23
- Votes 293
- Rating 4.45
Featured Shared Story

Life has never been easy for me. I was born into a broken home, and I suffered a lot of things.

Share your story! (1)
16. My Morals Define Me
- By Angie M Flores
- Published: August 2008
Empowering Poem About Self-Acceptance

in Inspirational Poems

I have never done drugs and never will.
I don't give into peer pressure.
I believe that drugs are lame.
Drugs cause you to make irresponsible decisions.

I have never done drugs and never will.
I don't give into peer pressure.
I believe that drugs are lame.
Drugs cause you to make irresponsible decisions.
I'd rather be high on life than high on drugs.
I choose not to harm my body with illegal substances.
I do what I want and if this makes me a loser, then so be it.

I am proud to be a virgin.
I'm not ditzy or dumb.
I don't believe everything I am told.
Abstinence is the key, so I believe.
I am not ready for a child nor disgusting diseases.
My virginity is my sanctuary.
If this makes me a loser, then so be it.

Violence is never the answer.
Physical disputes are pointless and solve nothing.
It is unnecessary and a waste of time.
I shall never stoop down to that level of immaturity.
I'd rather walk away and be the bigger person.
If this makes me a loser, then so be it.

Being a party girl is not who I am.
Partying is not what life is all about.
Life does not revolve around alcohol, drugs, and music.
There are more important things in life than parties.
I have the rest of my life to party;
For now I choose to focus on my future and career.
If this makes me a loser, then so be it.

I don't need to dress like a hoochie to get attention.
I am classy not trashy.
I'd rather be noticed for my intelligence than my looks.
I choose to have dignity and respect for my body.
I'd rather be liked for who I am than for what I look like.
If this makes me a loser, then so be it.

I am not a follower.
I control my own mind and make my own decisions.
I stand up for what I believe in and defend my opinions.
I'd rather be hated for being myself than liked for someone I am not.
If this makes me a loser, then so be it.

I am unique and one of a kind.
I am who I am
And will never change for anyone.
I will always be me, now and forever.
If this makes me a loser, then maybe I am.
More...
Go To Poem Page
- Stories 0
- Shares 147
- Favorited 8
- Votes 40
- Rating 4.05

1 - 16 of 16

Self-Acceptance Poems

16 Poems About Accepting Who You Are

1. My Personal Quest

2. Before I...

3. Be The Best Of Whatever You Are

4. Love After Love

5. Unique

6. Just Because

7. Never Give Up

8. Don't Give Up On Yourself

9. The New Me

10. Be Proud Of Who You Are

11. I Am Worthy

12. I Believe

13. Who Am I?

14. I Am Someone...

15. Trials

16. My Morals Define Me