To Value Yourself
To Value Yourself,
Allow Yourself to Have Feelings,
And Make Mistakes
~ Molly Summers.
As a life coach, I have discovered one fundamental truth that applies to everyone: we all want to be seen, and we all want to matter. Unfortunately, even if we matter to others, we may not realize it until we learn to value ourselves.
I once had a client who believed they had self-worth; however, they continuously sought validation from others.
What do I mean by "valuing ourselves"? Self-value differs from self-worth because self-worth is about believing we are good, compassionate, and respectful individuals. In contrast, self-value is the realization that we deserve to receive kindness, compassion, and respect in return.
1. So, how can we begin to value ourselves?
· Permit yourself to have feelings.
· Sometimes, we may be with someone, and an emotion gets triggered. Instead of pushing that emotion aside or feeling guilty for experiencing it, take a moment to identify it.
· What are you feeling? Why are you feeling this way?
· Perhaps, during your upbringing, you were disappointed by a parent or someone you admired.
· The behavior of the person you are currently with may resemble that experience, reawakening emotions you have kept hidden since childhood.
We all experience emotions, and there are reasons behind them.
You don’t necessarily have to act on these feelings; instead, take the time to understand them.
If you do not acknowledge your emotions and allow yourself to feel them, you may believe you do not deserve them.
Part of receiving compassion involves recognizing that we deserve compassion and, in turn, offering it to ourselves.
2. Don’t criticize yourself when you make mistakes.
· We all make mistakes—it's part of being human.
· When it happens, take a moment to analyze what occurred and why.
· Then, allow yourself to try again with the insights you've gained.
· Live according to your own values rather than the expectations of others.
