I had an experience several days ago that could have left me questioning my worth, and yet it didn’t. This isn’t to say
that it didn’t leave me sad, it did; just not for the reasons it once would have. I was sad because a judgement was being made that wasn’t based in fact. Instead, it was based on fear, an unwillingness to be open to other experiences or perspectives.
If we our confidence in ourselves isn’t strong, the opinions of others can consume us. Instead of believing that you are worthy of all that you want in life you can be fooled into believing that you have to settle for less. We can be left trying to conform to the people that others want and expect us to be. If we’re not careful, we lose sight of ourselves trying to please everyone else but ourselves.
When we know that we’re enough, just as we are we don’t let the opinions of others define us. We don’t let their lack of acceptance give us a reason to question ourselves. We have to remind ourselves that others’ judgement of us is a reflection of who they are and where they are at in their own lives and has nothing to do with us. I’m not saying it’s always easy to remember these things yet it is important to. Even when our gut reaction is to be upset and take it personally, it’s in our own best interest to remember that we have no control over what people think about us.
You are enough. I am enough. We are all enough. Repeat it to yourself. Write it on your bathroom mirror in dry erase marker. Make it your screensaver or image on your phone! It can be so easy to question ourselves and our worthiness, so we need constant reminders that we are perfect just as we are. If there are things in your life you want to work on, do it. Don’t allow others to direct your path. Empower yourself to take control of your life and believe that you can do it, regardless of what anyone else says.
This latest experience was a great teacher. I realize that I still have major triggers when people question my worthiness. Those triggers come from years of doubting that I was good enough. I spent years unsuccessfully trying to prove to my value to others. The cool thing is? I didn’t instinctively look for ways to prove myself. I listened. I processed. I surrendered to the fact that none of the issue at hand had anything to do with me personally. It was/is the idea of who I am and what they think that means.
It’s unfortunate that I will never be able to show them that their perception of me is false. Who knows, maybe there will come a time when a discussion can take place. In the meantime, I will continue to do me, living my best life with the knowledge that I am no less worthy of joy, happiness, respect or dignity, regardless of what anyone thinks. I am enough, and so are you. ♥