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Building Self-esteem series
Boost Self-Esteem Month: Looking Inward & Breaking the Comparison Trap
by Heather225
Last post
October 1st
October 1st
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Hello, lovelies, and happy Boost Self-Esteem Month!
While we spend so much of this month talking about how we connect with others—our friends, our chosen family, our loved ones—there is one vital connection that lays the foundation for all the rest: our connection with ourselves.
In today’s hyper-connected world, it's easy to accidentally outsource our self-worth. We measure our value in views/likes/shares i.e. the fleeting validation of social media. We scroll through our feeds, comparing our real-life behind-the-scenes to everyone else’s carefully filtered highlight reels. It is an exhausting habit and a fast track to feeling less than. And it's unfair!
But here is the truth: Your worth is inherent. It does not fluctuate based on an algorithm or someone else's approval.
This February, as part of Boost Self-Esteem Month, it's the opportune time to challenge ourselves to break the external validation habit. We are practicing the art of logging off, looking inward, and finding acceptance from within. Cultivating genuine self-esteem isn't about being perfect; it's about honoring your whole, authentic self without needing an audience to applaud it.
Reflection Questions
To help us shift our focus inward, take a moment to ponder these questions. We'd love for you to share your thoughts in the replies below!
* If social media disappeared tomorrow and no one could ever see your accomplishments, appearance, or milestones... what internal quality would you value most about yourself?
* What is one "highlight reel" trap you frequently fall into when scrolling, and what is a grounding, real-life truth you can tell yourself to escape it?
✋ The Inward Connection Pledge
Awareness is the first step, but action is the second! We invite you to join us in making a gentle promise to yourself this month. Copy and paste the pledge below into your reply, filling in the blank with whatever works best for you!
I pledge to recognize when the comparison trap is hurting my self-esteem. When I catch myself seeking external validation online, I commit to logging off and doing [insert one small act of self-care/self-love] to reconnect with my true self.
Signed (with love + your name)
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I can't wait to read your reflections and see your pledges below! Remember: You are worthy of love, especially your own.
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This post brought to you by February theme: The Heart of Connection [https://www.7cups.com/forum/projectsandevents/CommunityActivitiesEvents_1908/7CupsinFebruaryTheHeartofConnection_374480/]
10 Day Self-Esteem Exploration Event
by SoulfullyAButterfly
Last post
February 23rd, 2024
February 23rd, 2024
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Hi everyone,
We are excited to announce the "10 Day Self-Esteem Exploration Event", which is kicking off on Monday, the 19th of February, as part of the International Boost Self-Esteem Month.
For ten days, we will explore self-esteem as a community. There will be daily prompts focusing on the different aspects of self-esteem, encouraging you to share your personal stories, insights, and experiences while learning new techniques and tips from our community.
The event is designed to help us all understand the importance of self-esteem, boost our confidence, appreciate our worth, and inspire each other in the process. Are you ready to explore, learn, participate and grow on this self-esteem journey? If so, save the dates and meet us in the Special Events group support room.
Event Details - open to both adult listeners and members:
Adults
Location: Special Events Room
Time: Open 24/7 between 19 Feb - 28 Feb. You can check-in at any time!
To show interest in this event and be informed of future events, please fill out this form. [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe31pGvZDW8_aa8Cb8ywz4lOCpy4lkS5kekzsFXILwv3QQSjw/viewform]
Feeling Deeply Unfulfilled
by GoldenRetriever21
Last post
6 hours ago
6 hours ago
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Hi everyone,
This is not my first post sharing my feelings. For the past 10ish years I have struggled with self esteem. For example, comparing myself to others, or focusing on what I lack. While I have improved substantially, in the past year and a half since graduating college I have felt deeply alone. I live with my family and I have an OK relationship with them, but all my friends live in a different country so I never get to see them. While we talk occasionally, I feel like they are moving on with their lives and growing, while I am by myself. I am in a fully remote job, which I don't hate, but it is not my passion. I have tried joining clubs near me, or hanging out with my family's friends, but I haven't clicked with anyone new in over a year, and I don't feel happy when I'm with them. I spent most of my time either working on doing my hobbies, like playing music, working out, reading, etc. Yet I still feel miserable and alone most of the time.
This is just to vent, but any advice is welcome
I don't know
by DrainedNobody28
Last post
2 days ago
2 days ago
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Is it normal to feel more insecure when someone pointed out you physical falw?
Crawling -linkin Park
by polite2
Last post
Thursday
Thursday
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https://youtu.be/Gd9OhYroLN0?si=_MbS18lTKB94eP-u
My Bill of Rights
by MeBing
Last post
October 31st
October 31st
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Greetings :)
I was looking through my external hard drive at photos and stuff and stumbled across something that was given to me by a Psychologist a long time ago, in a galaxy far far away... Hee hee! (Star Wars tragic!)
Anyhow, I thought I might post it here on 7 Cups, as it may help some people like me, who suffer from anxiety, overthink everything or worry about something that isn't even going to happen, sometimes.
It basically lets you know that you always have the right to make your own choices.
My Bill of Rights
I have the right to ask for what I want.
I have the right to say no to requests or demands I cannot meet.
I have the right to express all of my feelings, positive or negative.
I have the right to change my mind.
I have the right to make mistakes and not to be perfect.
I have the right to follow my own values and standards.
I have the right to say no to anything when I feel I am not ready, it is unsafe, or it violates my rights.
I have the right to determine my own priorities.
I have the right to NOT be responsible for other people’s behaviour, actions, feelings or problems.
I have the right to expect honesty from others.
I have the right to be angry at someone.
I have the right to be myself.
I have the right to feel scared and say I’m afraid.
I have the right to say I don’t know.
I have the right to NOT give justification for my behaviour.
I have the right to make decisions based on my feelings.
I have the right to my own needs for personal time and space.
I have the right to be playful and frivolous.
I have the right to be in a non-abusive environment.
I have the right to make friends and be comfortable around people.
I have the right to change and grow.
I have the right to have my needs and wants respected by others.
I have the right to be treated with dignity and respect.
I have the right to be happy.
I have the right not to be forced, coerced or manipulated into doing things I don’t want to do.
I have the right to make my own decisions.
I have the right to make my own choices about what my responsibilities are.
I have the right to choose who I do and do not associate with.
I have the right to decide my likes and dislikes.
I have the right to my own opinions and beliefs.
I have the right to be slack at times and put off doing things that can wait.
I have the right to choose whether or not I apologise for anything I say or do.
Self respect
by FredF451884
Last post
October 30th
October 30th
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Okay I understand that we are going through stuff, sometimes even tougher than we imagine. But here is one thing: Whatever it is, you are doing great, you are your unique self, and whatever gifts you have, they can only be received from you. You have a lot to give and contribute to this world. Whatever happens, it doesn't define your worth or your ability. You know who you are through observation, experiences, and embracing the smallest to smallest aspects of your lives. Your experiences are also unique, and you don't have to always be okay to respect yourself. You are always capable in whatever situation you are, and it all depends on how you use your capabilities in a situation. I believe in you, and I know you can survive the storm and overcome situations by the right support and your own ability and resilience. You've got this. You are your own expert of your situation and I know you can do what's best suitable for you. Good luck everyone in this journey of life! You don't have to let situations justify your self esteem!
A bit nervous...
by Anna0319
Last post
October 27th
October 27th
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Ever since I was abused, my self-esteem has somewhat diminished. I also feel like I can't trust my abusers who are also my "family" and relatives. I just don't think they are very honest people. I could use your help. Thanks.
Being self aware is kind of exhaustion
by ColaKobi
Last post
October 25th
October 25th
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Being self aware is really exhausting. I see everything I'm doing wrong, and I know exactly why I'm stuck and the solution, but knowing doesn't fix it. Yeah, I hate this one especially. It's so frustrating to understand your own mind so well yet still feel completely helpless against it. It makes me feel stupid. Yet, I really need support about it.
Not feeling like doing anything
by ColaKobi
Last post
October 25th
October 25th
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Even studying, watching a video, or just talking to friends feels exhausting. I feel incredibly guilty about this, because even though I know how to fix it, just thinking about carving out time for each one of them depresses me. When I see how other people make studying a routine, act like 'normal' people, or live their youth happily and peacefully, I feel helpless in that moment. Why am I like this? I just can't understand.
Separation/balding/prime
by LeVar87
Last post
October 24th
October 24th
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I got alot going on financially. Crazy stressful, but on top of that I'm going through a separation. So down I can't properly focus on what I need to do for myself. Trying to get my to getboutbof my depression so I can handle my business. I'm mad she left me as soon as I'm outta my prime years, mad I'm balding. Mad she's gone.
Why do I keep taking criticism personally??
by CrabbyGoblin23
Last post
October 24th
October 24th
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I know criticism is never meant to be a personal attack. Most of the time, what I am criticized on is stuff that I know I need to be better at. I know I'm not a perfect person. I can put the logic behind it. Still, every time I receive criticism, I want to cry and curl up into a ball, never to see the light of day again. I can assure myself that everything is fine but no amount of deep breaths, mental and verbal reassurance, or anything can pull my brain and emotions back to reality. How do I uninstall this???
Oh ...
by ireallytriedthistime2011
Last post
October 22nd
October 22nd
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(+_+) Oh, what an unlovable thing I have become...
Test anxiety
by sensitivePond7614
Last post
October 22nd
October 22nd
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Hi everyone,
I’ve got really bad test anxiety. The problem with that is that I have a fitness test that I have to take for work every year. I’ve passed it every time I have to take it for several years, but I still spend a month or two worrying about it beforehand. Does anyone have any tips that could boost my confidence in it?
Thank you in advance.