How to Overcome the ‘I’m Not Worthy’ Mindset
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Worthiness and Self-Esteem
Feelings of unworthiness can stem from childhood trauma, previous rejection, and shame. Feeling unworthy, at its extreme, is a symptom of depression, a potentially life-threatening illness. Healthy self-esteem in adulthood occurs when you have a clear sense of what you value. Then you regulate your behavior to align with what you esteem. You feel good about yourself when your behavior aligns with what you truly value. Things get messy when you don’t know what you find important or meaningful, or your behavior is out of alignment with your values.
How to Know What You Value
If you don’t know what you value, here are a few questions to ask yourself to help you get started:
Make a list of the people you most admire. What specific qualities do you find admirable about them? Why do you find these qualities important? What goals do you wish to achieve? What makes those goals important to you? What would you like people to think or say about you at your funeral? If you had no worries or anxiety about what others might think, what would you do with your time?
Where Feelings Come From
Our feelings of worthiness or unworthiness are something we make up. If our brain makes up feelings of unworthiness, we can change those emotions. Rather than elevating others and diminishing ourselves, we can acknowledge our common humanity. All humans feel pain, loneliness, shame, sadness, joy, etc. Studies show that cultivating an appreciation for our common humanity fosters compassion for ourselves and others.
The next time you feel unworthy, remind yourself that feeling different or less than others makes you human. Everyone will experience pain, loneliness, and rejection at some point. Be kind to yourself and others. Life is difficult for us all. If you keep looking, you will find your community. When you find it, you will appreciate it even more, having gone through the suffering."
Read the complete article available at Psychology Today!
Reflection:
Do you have a healthy sense of self-worth?
#SelfWorth #SelfCompassion #MentalHealth
@comfortableNight4463
Thanks for posting. I would like to think I have a healthy sense of self-worth. I have found some new values this year & they really helped!
@Josh3889 You're most welcome! I'm glad you found those new values that helped your sense of self-worth. I'm proud of you!
@comfortableNight4463
Thank you for the kind words
@Josh3889 You're most welcome!