"What do I think of myself?" It's a question that most of us have probably asked ourselves at some point in our lives. It's a question that goes to the heart of our identity and sense of self-worth. Our self-perception can shape the way we see ourselves and interact with the world around us, influencing our choices, relationships, and life goals. Yet, for many, self-perception can be a difficult and sometimes uncomfortable topic to explore. It can be challenging to examine our own beliefs, biases, and limitations with honesty and self-awareness. By the end of this post, you'll have a better understanding of how your self-perception impacts your life and how to take steps towards a healthier and more empowering self-image.
The Impacts of Self-Perception
Self-perception can have a significant impact on various aspects of our lives, including our mental health, relationships, and personal and professional development, both negative and positive, depending on your, well, perception... Here are a few examples:
Mental health
Our self-perception can affect our mental health and well-being. Negative self-perceptions, such as feeling inadequate, unworthy, or unlovable, can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. On the other hand, a positive and realistic self-image can help us feel more confident, resilient, and fulfilled.
Relationships
Our self-perception can impact our relationships with others. If we hold negative beliefs about ourselves, we may struggle with trust, vulnerability, and intimacy. We may also project our insecurities onto others, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts. On the other hand, a healthy self-perception can help us cultivate strong and meaningful relationships based on mutual respect and understanding.
Personal development
Our self-perception can also impact our personal and professional development. If we hold limiting beliefs about ourselves, such as thinking we are not smart enough or talented enough to pursue our goals, we may hold ourselves back from achieving our full potential. On the other hand, a positive and growth-oriented self-perception can help us set and achieve meaningful goals, learn new skills, and cultivate a growth mindset.
Overall, our self-perception can shape the way we see ourselves and interact with the world around us, influencing our choices, relationships, and life goals. By cultivating a positive and authentic sense of self, we can improve our mental health, build strong relationships, and achieve our full potential.
What did I used to think of myself?
As I reflect on my past, I realize that my self-perception was often characterized by extremes - either remarkably positive or undeniably negative. It was a constant battle to reconcile these two opposing forces, and it wasn't easy. My sense of self-worth was heavily influenced by external factors, particularly at school and in the workplace. To complicate matters, I was dealing with neurological issues that often went unacknowledged and misunderstood. As a result, I always felt like an outsider, someone who didn't quite fit in. And unfortunately, the people around me didn't hesitate to reinforce that feeling with physical and verbal abuse - a pattern that persisted throughout my life, even into adulthood. To put it simply, it was an ugly, painful experience that left me with very little self-esteem during my lowest moments.
Looking back, I realized that I was different from my peers, and while it wasn't always easy, I came to appreciate that difference. I knew that I had something to offer that others didn't - intelligence, kindness, and a loving family. While my family may not have fully understood what I was going through, they played a pivotal role in shaping who I am today. They instilled in me values and morals that I hold dear, and created a supportive environment that allowed me to flourish. They taught me right from wrong, and how to be a kind and respectful human being. I am forever grateful for these lessons, and for the impact they have had on my life. Even if they don't realize it, their influence has been immeasurable. I am who I am today because of them, and I will continue to cherish these values and principles for years to come
Fast forward to the last few Years
The last few years have been a critical turning point in my life. To be honest, they were some of the toughest years I've ever faced. I hit rock bottom - hard, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. I hit it real, and I hit it hard. But amidst the pain and turmoil, something immensely valuable emerged. Through the struggle, I learned invaluable life lessons and hard truths. I experienced profound realizations and poured real effort into the hard work of transformation.
That was the moment I truly felt alive. Life suddenly took on a new meaning, and everything felt more authentic. I realized that I wasn't just a passive spectator, but an active participant in my own life. There's a lot to unpack here, but that's a story for another time. What I can say is that this awakening prompted me to start working on myself, and it set me on the path to where I am today. My mental health, relationships, and self-perception have all been shaped by that pivotal moment in my life.
What do I think of Myself Now?
I have come to a place in my life where I can honestly say that I love myself. I have found peace within myself and with others around me. By placing myself as a priority, I have opened myself up to continuous self-improvement and growth in every aspect of my life. This love and care extend to my inner circle, where I deeply value and cherish my relationships. I have made peace with my unique perspective and stopped feeling ashamed for being different. I have also found it in my heart to forgive those who have wronged me, including myself. Knowing that mistakes are a part of life, I actively seek out and learn from them to improve myself for the future.
Love, whether directed towards oneself or others, requires continuous effort. It involves open communication, unwavering honesty, and a deep sense of care. This requires a form of dialogue between the conscious and subconscious parts of ourselves. It entails being transparent with our conscious self, acknowledging and addressing our subconscious behaviours and reactions that may need improvement. Only through this internal communication and honesty can we begin to work towards growth and self-improvement.
6 baby steps for Developing a Positive Self-Perception
Developing a positive self-perception is a process that can take time, effort, and patience. Here are some steps that can help you work towards a better self-perception:
Step 1 : Identify your negative self-talk
Pay attention to the messages you tell yourself. If you find that you frequently engage in negative self-talk, such as "I'm not good enough," "I'm a failure," or "I'll never be able to do this," try to catch yourself in the moment and replace those thoughts with more positive and realistic ones.
Step 2 : Practice self-compassion
Be kind to yourself, just as you would be kind to a good friend. Acknowledge your strengths and accomplishments, and treat yourself with patience and understanding when you face challenges or setbacks.
Step 3 : Focus on your strengths
Make a list of your positive qualities, skills, and accomplishments. When you find yourself focusing on your weaknesses or flaws, remind yourself of your strengths and how they have helped you succeed in the past.
Step 4 : Surround yourself with positivity
Spend time with people who uplift and support you, and engage in activities that make you feel good about yourself. Avoid negative self-talk or conversations that bring you down.
Step 5 : Set realistic goals
Break down your goals into smaller, manageable steps and celebrate your progress along the way. Avoid setting unrealistic or overly challenging goals that can lead to feelings of failure or disappointment.
Step 6 : Practice self-care
Take care of your physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Get enough sleep, exercise regularly, eat a balanced diet, and engage in activities that help you relax and recharge.
Takeaway
Remember, developing a positive self-perception is a journey, and it's okay to take small steps towards this goal. With practice and persistence, you can develop a healthier and more positive view of yourself.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, our self-perception is a crucial aspect of our identity and can greatly influence our lives. It's important to take the time to reflect on our beliefs and biases and challenge any negative self-talk or limiting beliefs. By working towards a healthier and more empowering self-image, we can improve our relationships, achieve our goals, and lead a more fulfilling life.
Remember, it's okay to struggle with self-perception and it's never too late to take steps towards a better understanding of ourselves.
By taking action and seeking support when needed, we can build a more positive and confident sense of self. So, let's continue to explore and embrace who we are, and strive towards becoming our best selves.
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