Beauty begins the moment you decide to be yourself. I don’t remember who said this, but I wholeheartedly agree. People who are not afraid to unashamedly be themselves have a peace about them that is tangible, it feels calming to be in their presence.
If you’re trying to flex your “self” muscles, to lean into who you really are, you’ll find that not everyone thinks it’s beautiful though. While some thrive in supporting the real you, others might resent the fact that you’re not being who they want you to be. But here’s the thing about being yourself – when you do get to the place where you truly own yourself, you won’t need anyone’s permission to be happy in your own skin.
“Self-esteem comes from the self, not from acquisitions and approval.” – Wayne Dyer
And that’s why it’s called ‘SELF’ esteem… it is the ability to hold your ”self” in high esteem regardless of the messaging you receive from around you.
How do we build this muscle of self-esteem? I heard Brene Brown give a definition of self-esteem that sounded like this: “Self-esteem is when I can clearly see all of my flaws and still hold myself in high regard”, and this is how you can build that muscle, purposely coming face to face with your inadequacies, and simultaneously expressing love for yourself.
“Beginning today, make the decision to love and accept yourself just the way you are. Say your name followed by the words “I love you” and make this your daily mantra, repeating it often, especially during times of stress. Let it be your first thought upon arising and the last thing you think before falling asleep at night. This simple act of self-courtship can profoundly change your world. Try it for yourself and see. Make a personal decision to be in love with the most beautiful, exciting, worthy person ever – you.” – Wayne Dyer
“As you awaken to your divine nature, you’ll begin to appreciate beauty in everything you see, touch and experience.” – Wayne Dyer
It’s beautiful to have the kind of relationships where people acknowledge you. But if your self-worth is dependent on this outside validation, then your “need” tends to sour even those beautiful relationships. It’s impossible for another human to take on the job of filling your cup while they have so many of their own distractions. It has to be YOU. You are the only one who can ALWAYS be there for you.
As you walk this journey of self-discovery and empowerment, here are a few guiding mantras to help you along the way:
- Embrace your imperfections. Perfection is impossible, put that burden down. Anyone who ever accomplished anything useful was an imperfect human, your imperfections don’t disqualify you.
- Practice self-compassion. Be kind to yourself, just as you would be to a friend.
- Nurture a kind inner voice. Double down on speaking to yourself kindly. Even to the harsh inner-critic.
- Celebrate your achievements. No matter how small, acknowledge your accomplishments.
- Say your name, followed by the words, “I love you.”
In conclusion, building self-esteem is a journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance. By embracing our imperfections, practicing self-love, and appreciating the beauty within and around us, we can forge an unbreakable bond with ourselves.
Remember, you are the only one who can ALWAYS be there for you, so your own love and acceptance should always be unconditional.
– pierre –
Today’s LIVE meditation is: The observer.