Someone once shared a nugget of wisdom with me: our self-esteem is truly our own, and no one else can diminish it. They hit the nail on the head. Building self-esteem, especially when we're not our own biggest fans, is a journey that takes time, patience, and a shift in mindset. I remember a phase in my life when I wasn't thrilled with the person I saw in the mirror.
At sixteen, I found myself navigating the unfamiliar hallways of a new school. Transitioning from a bustling urban institution of 1500 students to a close-knit rural community of just 400 was daunting. My graduating class had a mere 100 students, most of whom had shared memories since their early childhood days. As the new kid on the block, penetrating their tight-knit cliques felt like an insurmountable challenge. But rather than succumb to feelings of isolation, I channeled my passion into creating something inclusive: an art club magazine. This initiative, which welcomed submissions from every student, blossomed into a zine that not only gave me a sense of purpose but also left an indelible mark on the school's culture. Today, I beam with pride knowing that the tradition continues. Despite the bullying I endured, I came to understand that such behaviors often stem from personal pain and insecurities. Through this journey, I learned the invaluable lesson of self-worth, reminding myself that I am deserving of respect and belonging.
When I disliked myself I was in a dark place. But I chose to take steps towards embracing and loving myself. I started with small, achievable goals like repeating positive affirmations, hydrating with a gallon of water daily, and taking post-work strolls. Once I got the hang of these, I felt ready to aim higher, both emotionally and in my daily actions.
I'd love to share my journey and the lessons I've learned with you. I believe they can help you elevate your own life, find joy, and discover inner peace.
Living a fulfilling life often means embracing new experiences, navigating the unknown, and stepping out of our comfort zones. My journey of healing childhood wounds has opened up new horizons for me, giving me the courage to take leaps of faith. I genuinely feel it's worth sharing, hoping it might inspire you to enrich your life in the most wonderful ways.
So, let's dive into some ways to elevate your life and boost self-esteem, all while nurturing your inner child:
Recognize Your Value and Worth and Reaffirm your Reality:
Previously, I shared my experience of facing relentless bullying in school due to my uniqueness. A life lesson I've come to understand is that bullying doesn't truly end; power imbalances persist, and insecurities linger. If you've ever been a victim of bullying, it's essential to recognize that you're being fed untruths. Bullying often seeks to erode one's self-worth with deceptive narratives about one's value. It's vital to challenge these deceptions and wholeheartedly accept your true self. Often, bullying arises from the tormentor's own profound unhappiness. Witnessing someone else find joy in life can intensify their internal struggles and deepen their misery.
Recognizing your value and worth is a transformative journey that requires introspection, self-love, and consistent effort.
To begin this process, practice self compassion. Avoid negative self-talk and challenge and redirect these thoughts about yourself. Our inner critic can be the loudest voice we hear. Whenever you catch yourself thinking negatively about your abilities or worth, pause and challenge those thoughts. Ask yourself: "Would I say this to someone I care about?" Replace all self deprecating language with constructive and positive words, phrases and ideas. These can be simple statements like "I am capable," "I am worthy of love and respect," or "I bring value to the world." I like to leave post-it notes and visual reminders of my awesomeness in unexpected places: the drawer where I keep my deodorant, under my computer, in a book I’m reading many pages ahead and above my front door. Set a timer for 30 minutes and take the time to list down your positive attributes. Building self-esteem is a journey, not a destination. It's essential to be patient with oneself and recognize that self-worth is intrinsic and not determined by external factors.
Reaffirm your reality by Reflecting on your strengths, talents, and the qualities that others appreciate in you.
What do you love about yourself? If you can’t list anything just yet, start smaller and more simply: What do you love about the world? If that’s still daunting, take some time to think about your past accomplishments and the challenges you've overcome.
These are all evidence of your strength, resilience, and value.
Within you lies an inherent goodness, waiting to flourish. The foundation is already set; all it needs is your nurturing touch. By emphasizing the positive facets of yourself, you can challenge and overcome the damaging stories that others (and yourself) have tried to tell about you.
Celebrate Everything (especially small achievements):
Things I’m celebrating and grateful for this week:
I took A beautiful 3 mile walk by the river and saw a butterfly.
I found a praying mantis in my house and I felt its strength and beauty.
I engaged in making a colorful collage.
I enjoyed another Fancy Dinner Monday (every Monday my love and I prepare and seek out nutritious ingredients to cook an exquisite meal at home and set aside time to enjoy it and catch up about our weekly goals)
I had a meaningful video chat with my sweet sister.
I overcame a professional challenge.
I helped someone in need.
I have maintained a consistent exercise routine for an entire year. (Physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. It also helps you feel more energetic and confident about your body).
I started learning a new skill of practicing the art of the Baton.
I took time out for myself to give myself a facial and steam and deep lymph node massage.
Acknowledge and take pride in even the minor achievements of your daily life. Remember, each person has their distinct journey of celebration. Drawing comparisons with others can undermine your self-worth. Instead, concentrate on your individual evolution and milestones.
For me, genuine celebration (not just throwing a party) is a profound way to nurture and heal my inner child. To amplify this sense of celebration, I delve into activities that I genuinely relish, beyond just watching films or aimlessly browsing online. Engaging in what you're passionate about can serve as a reprieve from negative thoughts, elevating your spirits.
Expressing gratitude for the fleeting moments of happiness in my life is my anchor...
This sentiment is the core reason behind this newsletter.
I was driven to celebrate every facet of life as a beacon of hope during challenging times.
The storms we face, no matter how fierce, are temporary. Behind every dark cloud lies the promise of a brighter tomorrow. It's in our most challenging moments that we discover our true strength and the depth of our resilience. With each hurdle we overcome, we become better equipped to face the next, drawing from our past experiences and lessons learned.
Hold onto the belief that better days are on the horizon. Every sunrise brings with it a new opportunity, a fresh start, and the potential for change. Embrace the journey, with all its ups and downs, knowing that the battles we face today are shaping a brighter, more hopeful tomorrow.
It's been an incredible journey writing this newsletter for the past two years. What started as a passion project has blossomed into a community of over 200 subscribers, and I'm beyond grateful for each one of you. As we continue to grow and evolve, I'd love to invite more voices and perspectives into this space. If you're inspired to get involved, have feedback, or simply want to share your thoughts, please don't hesitate to reach out. Every comment, share, and word of encouragement means the world to me.
And for a little treat, I've curated a new Spotify playlist that I think you'll love. It's a mix of tunes that resonate with our journey together. Give it a listen and let the melodies uplift your spirit!
Thank you for being a part of this journey. Here's to many more shared moments of celebrating everything and growing together.
UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE CELEBRATEEVERYTHINGNGNGGNG…
xoxo-k8
«DID YOU MISS PART ONE? CLICK TO LISTEN TO PART ONE»>