Embrace my worth? *sigh*

I am constantly working through the idea that I have worth AND that my worth does not come from external validation, people pleasing, or being in service to others. I have worth ON MY OWN. period.

Although, this isn’t the mainstream lesson I learned growing up, intrinsic value is what truly matters, not the external achievements, appearances, or validations from others. True self-worth comes from within, independent of external factors.

Let’s explore the 6 basic steps of recognizing and nurturing our self-worth.

1. Understanding Self-Worth: Self-worth refers to the inherent value and respect we hold for ourselves, regardless of external circumstances. I’ll repeat that part for those in the back: it’s the RESPECT WE HOLD FOR OURSELVES. It’s the foundation of self-esteem and plays a crucial role in our mental and emotional wellbeing. Understanding that our worthiness isn’t determined by success, relationships, or societal standards is the first step towards cultivating a healthy sense of self.
2. Challenging Negative Beliefs: I know I struggle with negative beliefs about myself, like many of you, this is often rooted in past experiences, comparisons, and societal pressures. These negative beliefs erode our self-worth and lead to feeling inadequate or unworthy. Challenge those beliefs by recognizing their origins, questioning their validity, and replacing them with more empowering perspectives.
3. Practicing Self-Compassion: Self-compassion is an essential aspect of nurturing self-worth. Girl, treat yourself with kindness, understanding, and acceptance, especially during times of struggle or failure. Instead of the typical harsh self-criticism, self-compassion encourages us to acknowledge that imperfection is a natural part of the human experience.
4. Cultivating Authenticity: Authenticity is the alignment between our actions, values, and beliefs. Embracing our true selves, flaws and all, fosters a sense of genuine worthiness. When we prioritize authenticity over conformity (or people-pleasing), we affirm our inherent value and attract meaningful connections that value us for who we truly are.
5. Setting Boundaries: Setting boundaries is a powerful way to affirm our self-worth and protect our emotional well-being. It involves clearly communicating our needs, limits, and values, and respectfully asserting them in our relationships and interactions. Establishing boundaries reinforces the message that we deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.
6. Celebrating Personal Growth: Personal growth is an ongoing journey of self-discovery, learning, and development. Each step we take towards becoming the best version of ourselves is a testament to our inherent worthiness. By celebrating our progress, however small, we reinforce the belief that our value lies in our efforts and resilience, not just in our achievements.

Cultivating a strong sense of self-worth is a transformative journey that requires patience, self-reflection, and self-compassion. By recognizing our inherent value, challenging negative beliefs, and embracing authenticity, we empower ourselves to live fulfilling lives grounded in self-love and acceptance.