Step 5: Accepting Weaknesses to
Focus on True Capacities
If you find limitations as you try to improve, watching differ-
ent kinds of movies can help you learn to become more com-
passionate with yourself as you learn to accept your shortcom-
ings. Accepting your weaknesses allows you to focus more on
expanding your true capacities and strengths.
Watch one of the following films and focus specifically on
the character who demonstrates self-acceptance.
The Other Sister (1999)
Carla is mentally retarded but functional. She fully
accepts her condition. After graduating from occu-
pational therapy school, she is determined to live
in her own apartment, but her wealthy family has a
limited view of her capabilities forcing her to struggle
for her independence, which finally culminates in a
romantic relationship.Real Women Have Curves (2002)
“Curvy” Ana Garcia is the daughter of Mexican
immigrants living in Los Angeles. Focusing on her
academic skills, she is so successful that one of her
teachers thinks she has a good chance of acceptance
into Columbia University. Society’s standards of beauty
and that her family does not want Ana to attempt such
lofty goals, undermine her positive self-image. When
she has to work in her sister’s dingy little seamstress
shop, Ana stands proudly in the middle of her cohorts
and proclaims her independence of society’s vision.I Am Sam (2001)
Sam has the mental capacity of a seven-year-old but
the heart of a giant. His retardation does not deter himBuilding Self-Esteem 111