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Life can be tough, and sometimes, we feel like we're not enough or not where we "should" be. It's easy to get caught up in the idea that we need to be better, smarter, more successful, or just different in some way. But here's the truth: rejecting yourself right where you are, in this exact moment, only chips away at your self-worth.
We all have that inner voice-the one that says, 'You're not doing enough,' 'You haven't achieved enough,' or 'You're not good enough.' It pushes us to constantly strive for something outside ourselves, often leaving us frustrated or falling short. But this mindset is toxic. It teaches us to value ourselves based on some future version we think we should be,rather than appreciating who we are right now. When you reject yourself where you're at, you're sending the message that you're not worthy as you are. This is damaging because self-worth isn't tied to where you are or how much you've achieved-it's inherent. You are valuable because you exist, not because of your accomplishments or potential. Every time you tell yourself that you're not enough, you're diminishing your own confidence and sense of self-worth. Each day you reject yourself is another day you chip away at your belief in your own value. Over time, this can lead to feelings of inadequacy, self-doubt, and even depression. The first step in breaking this cycle is to accept yourself where you are. No, that doesn't mean giving up on growth or settling for less than you deserve. It means recognizing that you are enough as you are right now, with all your imperfections, struggles, and strengths. It means treating yourself with the same kindness and patience you would offer a friend. When you accept yourself fully, flaws and all, you can begin to heal the negative self-talk and let go of the need to prove your worth. You can shift from a mindset of 'I am not enough' to 'I am worthy of love and success, right where I am.’ Remember, growth doesn't come from constant self-rejection, but from self-compassion and acceptance. Much love.
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Empathy is an incredible gift that allows us to deeply connect with others, but it's also a quality that can be exhausting if not managed properly. Empaths—people who are especially sensitive to the emotions of those around them—often experience the world in a uniquely emotional way.
They can sense the feelings of others just by being in their presence, picking up on body language, tone of voice, or even a person's mood without words being exchanged. This deep sensitivity means empaths tend to be highly compassionate, nurturing, and eager to help others, often offering a listening ear or a supportive shoulder without needing to be asked. Some of the most common traits of an empath include being intuitive, emotionally available, and often selfless. They are the people who can instantly tell when something's off with a friend or loved one, and they often feel others' pain as if it were their own. This can make them excellent listeners and compassionate healers. However, this level of emotional awareness also means they absorb the feelings of others, sometimes to the point of emotional overwhelm. Without firm boundaries, empaths can easily become emotionally drained, which is why it's so important to find ways to balance their ability to care for others with taking care of themselves. On the flip side, many empaths have an intense connection to nature and animals, finding peace and solace in the natural world. They are often drawn to careers that allow them to help others, such as counselling, healthcare, or teaching, where their natural empathy is seen as a strength. However, being an empath also means learning how to manage this gift—setting boundaries, practicing self-care, and finding grounding techniques to avoid burnout. Mindfulness and meditation are powerful tools for empaths, helping them stay centred and preventing emotional overload. By developing these practices, empaths can continue connecting deeply with others without sacrificing their well-being. If you're an empath or know someone who is, remember that it's a beautiful, powerful trait—but it requires care and attention to thrive. Sometimes, we hold onto emotions like anger, sadness, or frustration without even realizing it. Life throws all sorts of challenges at us, and it's natural to feel heavy emotions. But when we don't take the time to release them, they end up lingering, quietly building up inside until they start affecting us in ways we don't always see. Releasing this energy is less about forgetting what happened and more about clearing out the old to make space for something new and healing. Something new and fresh—out with the old, in with the new. One of the simplest ways to start letting go is to be honest with yourself about what you're feeling. Rather than pushing feelings aside or pretending they're not there, just sit with them for a minute. You don't have to fix everything all at once; just acknowledging that you're carrying anger or grief can start to lighten the load. Another way to release those feelings is to get them out of your head and body. Maybe that means writing down what you're feeling, letting the words flow onto the page without judgment. Or maybe it's talking to someone you trust—a friend or even a counsellor—so you can feel heard. Sometimes, we find ourselves bottling things up, but talking about it can be very freeing. Moving your body can also help you let go of stuck energy. Our bodies hold onto tension, so doing something physical—dancing, stretching, or walking in nature (of course)—can help you release what you don't need. Let your body work with you to shake off what's weighing you down. After you've created space by releasing some of those heavy feelings, take a moment to think about what kind of energy you want to bring into your life. Surround yourself with things, people, and activities that make you feel good, grounded, and open to new possibilities. It's an ongoing process of letting go and inviting new energy, one that can bring a sense of lightness and possibility back into your life. Point Break, my favourite movie, and one of its greatest scenes: 21 Self-esteem tidbits! A good list to review today.
I call myself a recovered people pleaser. I am a master of reading energies in a room and making people feel comfortable, all of which is extremely exhausting. I am not doing this anymore as it would lead to burn out city rather quickly. The road to recovery has been very long but so worth the investment while figuring out how to build confidence and finding strength in myself. I can fully rely on and trust myself due to my self-awareness, investing in personal development and a four year education/degree of dealing with family history lol. I have accumulated tons of experiences and training but the list I will present will be a doable list that you can use yourself: 1. Read the Tibetan Book of Living and Dying. Life is about suffering and how to deal and cope with it will set you free 2. Walk in nature 3. Helping others, volunteering 4. Sitting with your grief and pain to find the real problem, go deeper 5. Conflict resolution, don't be afraid to open your heart today and state what you need 6. Stop worrying about what other people think about you, they are preoccupied on what they think you are thinking about them. Please unfreeze and thaw 7. Constantly seek feedback and ask for feedback from others. It may hurt but it is the best shortcut to growth which will lead to immediate success if you apply it 8. Apply yourself. Do what you got to do as soon as you can 9. Eat the biggest frog in the morning-deal with the heaviest problem asap 10. Sometimes you just have to put it out there. See what happens and move on 11. Treat yourself to an amazing cup of coffee or tea 12. Tell somebody you love them today. If they aren't open to hear it please do not explain or back paddle why you shared it. Just say you needed to tell them and discard any insecurities 13. Sweat equity, know thyself. Won't be easy but worth all the time in the world. Will save your tons of pain 14. Don't take shortcuts...ever 15. Read and learn all about what puts your soul on fire and then share it with others! 16. Don't buy into what other people are telling you if it isn't constructive feedback. Haters will always hate 17. Treat your heart with tender care. Always. No room for negotiation as you are doing your best to get where you want to be 18. Be honest with yourself and ask for help. You don't need to know everything 19. Read Living in the Light with Shakti Gawain. One of my first spiritual books I found in 1997. Such a yellow and vibrant cover and message! 20. Let go of old thoughts and habits. At least replace negative thoughts with something more effective than sitting in misery 21. Jumping jacks works and the best energy changer ever! It's easy to fall into the trap of thinking we have unlimited time to chase our dreams. We often convince ourselves that tomorrow will be just as good as today—or even better. However, the truth is that time is not infinite, and each moment is a valuable opportunity that we shouldn't take for granted.
Many of us delay pursuing our passions, waiting for the perfect moment or circumstances. We think we can press the snooze button on our ambitions and come back to them later. But this mindset can lead to missed opportunities and regrets. Life is unpredictable, and we can't always control when chances will arise. To break free from procrastination and complacency, it's important to include a sense of urgency in our lives. Remember, the best time to start pursuing your dreams is right now. Don't wait for the perfect moment, because it may never come. Embrace a sense of urgency, and take charge of your life. So, let go of hesitation and press "play" on your dreams. The time is now—do it! You can do it. Self-awareness is like having a secret superpower. It gives you the ability to stop overanalyzing every little thing that happens in your life. You don’t have to beat yourself up after a tough conversation or feel guilty about what you said. Instead, you can learn to let it go and move on. How many times have you replayed an awkward conversation in your head, picking apart every word and facial expression, wondering if you could’ve said something differently or acted better? The spiral of self-doubt can lead to feelings of guilt and regret. But with self-awareness, you can free yourself from this ongoing cycle.
Being self-aware isn’t about being perfect or never making mistakes. It’s about understanding how you think, feel, and act without constantly judging yourself. You notice when something doesn’t go quite right, but you don’t dwell on it or pick it apart. When you’re self-aware, you trust yourself more. You know that one awkward conversation or bad moment doesn’t define you. You stop feeling like you need to go over everything in your head, figuring out what you could’ve done better, because you get that not everything needs fixing or dissecting. A lot of us feel guilty after having a difficult conversation, especially if it didn’t go exactly as planned. But self-awareness helps you step back and ask yourself: “Did I mean to hurt anyone? Was I being honest and true to myself? Is this really something to feel guilty about?” Often, the guilt we feel is unnecessary and comes from overthinking. With self-awareness, you learn to see the situation for what it is, accept it, and let go. You stop punishing yourself for every little thing and instead focus on the bigger picture: you’re doing your best, and that’s enough. One of the biggest benefits of self-awareness is the ability to let things go. You’re not avoiding problems; you’re just choosing not to hold on to things that don’t need to weigh you down. You trust that you did your best, that you’ll learn from the experience, and that things will work out. When you let go, you’re not stuck in that cycle of replaying conversations or thinking about what you should’ve said or done. The more self-aware you become, the less you overthink. You stop stressing about every little detail and start to feel more confident in how you handle situations. You realize that not everything needs to be perfect and that you don’t have to have all the answers. You’ll still have tough conversations from time to time, but you’ll learn to reflect without getting stuck. You’ll know when it’s time to move on without carrying around unnecessary guilt or stress. For plus 20 years, I’ve been practicing the Sedona Method and incorporating surrendering techniques into my daily life. These practices have profoundly shaped who I am today, giving me a constant sense of peace and clarity. The Sedona Method, with its simple yet powerful approach to letting go, has become more than just a technique for me—it's a way of life. By consistently surrendering my worries, fears, and attachments, I've cultivated an inner calm that remains steady regardless of external circumstances.
One of the most significant impacts of these practices is how they’ve altered my perception of others’ opinions. There was a time when I would get caught up in what others thought about my choices or my life path. Now, I find that these thoughts rarely disturb my peace. The practice of surrender has taught me that other people’s views are just that—their views, not truths that I need to hold onto. This shift has given me the freedom to live authentically, in alignment with my values and beliefs, rather than being swayed by external judgments. This journey of surrender and letting go has been transformative, providing me with tools to navigate life in a simple and easy way. It’s not that challenges don’t arise; they do, as they do for everyone. But my approach to them has changed. Instead of resisting or getting overwhelmed, I lean into the practice, allowing myself to release what no longer serves me. This ongoing commitment to surrender has allowed me to maintain a steady sense of peace, regardless of life’s ups and downs, and for that, I am deeply grateful. Finding happiness in our circumstances often comes down to how we view our situation. When we focus on small moments of contentment, we realize our cup is more than half full. This positive outlook helps us deal with life's challenges better. By appreciating what we have, even when things aren't perfect, we maintain our mental and emotional well-being. It's about recognizing the good in our lives and letting that gratitude guide us.
Empathy is key to this mindset. Understanding and sharing the feelings of others helps us connect on a deeper level, creating a sense of community and support. Empathy isn't just about listening; it's about genuinely caring and showing kindness. When we empathize, we create a ripple effect, encouraging others to do the same. This shared compassion boosts our own happiness by reminding us we're not alone. Combining gratitude and empathy leads to a more fulfilling life. When we appreciate small joys and show compassion, we create a positive environment for ourselves and others. Our cup isn't just half full—it's overflowing with potential for happiness and connection. This approach helps us face difficulties with grace and find joy in everyday moments that might otherwise go unnoticed. Gongs have been used for centuries in various cultures for their powerful healing properties. The deep, resonant sounds of gongs can help relax the mind and body, creating a state of deep relaxation. When a person is deeply relaxed, their brain waves slow down, shifting from the beta state associated with normal waking consciousness to the alpha, theta, or even delta states, which are linked with relaxation, meditation, and healing. This transition in brain state can facilitate the body's natural healing processes, helping to reduce stress, improve sleep, and promote overall well-being.
A key element in the effectiveness of gong healing is the presence of a skilled facilitator. A kind and empathetic facilitator can create a safe and trusting environment, essential for participants to fully relax and open up to the healing process. The facilitator guides the session, intuitively playing the gongs to produce the most beneficial sounds for the participants. Their empathy and understanding help to establish a connection with the participants, making them feel comfortable and supported throughout the session. The relationship of trust and safety between the facilitator and the participants is crucial to the success of gong healing. When participants feel safe, they are more likely to let go of their tensions and allow the healing sounds to penetrate deeply. This trust allows them to fully immerse themselves in the experience, facilitating a deeper relaxation and transformation. As a result, the participants can experience profound shifts in their mental and physical well-being, unlocking their body's natural ability to heal itself. By combining the ancient practice of gong healing with the empathetic guidance of a skilled facilitator, individuals can experience a powerful transformation that promotes healing, relaxation, and overall well-being. Just like planning a road trip, a successful job search starts with careful planning and preparation. Take time to map out your route by setting clear goals, identifying target industries and companies, and crafting a compelling resume and cover letter. Research potential employers, networking opportunities, and job search platforms and be curious about what’s out there.
As any seasoned traveller knows, road trips are full of unexpected detours and surprises. Similarly, the job search journey may not always go as planned. Use the detours as opportunities for growth and exploration. Whether it's exploring new industries, explore other career paths, or developing new skills, be open to unexpected opportunities that could lead you to your ultimate destination. During the hustle and bustle of the job search, don't forget to enjoy the scenery along the way. Take time to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small, and recognize the progress you've made. Do self-care and mindfulness techniques (meditation, yoga, sound healing) to stay grounded and present in the moment. Remember, finding the right job is a journey, not a destination, so enjoy the ride. But don’t wait too long to apply for the job, then you might have missed a great opportunity. Work on your resume and tailor the cover letter to the job posting. Just as road trips are more enjoyable with trusted travel companions, the job search journey is easier with a strong support network. Surround yourself with friends, family, mentors, job coaches, and fellow job seekers who can offer guidance, encouragement, and support along the way. Lean on your network for advice, feedback, and networking opportunities to enhance your job search experience. Even the most adventurous road trips require rest stops and refuelling breaks to recharge and rejuvenate. Similarly, the job search journey can sometimes be physically and emotionally draining. Take regular breaks to rest, recharge, and rejuvenate. Engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether spending time outdoors, practicing mindfulness, or pursuing hobbies and interests. Just like planning another road trip, finding self-acceptance and self-love starts with setting intentions and charting your course. Take time to reflect on your values, desires, and aspirations. Consider where you want to go and what you must do to get there. Remember, the journey is as important as the destination, so be patient and kind to yourself along the way.
Life's road trip is full of unexpected detours, and the road to self-acceptance and self-love is no exception. Welcome the detours as opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Sometimes, the most scenic routes are the ones we stumble upon unexpectedly. Be open to new experiences, perspectives, and possibilities, even if they take you off the beaten path. While living life with struggles and challenges, remember to pause and appreciate the beauty around you. Finding self-acceptance and self-love means welcoming your strengths, quirks, and imperfections. Take time to celebrate your accomplishments, big and small, and acknowledge the progress you've made along the way. Remember, self-love is a journey, not a destination, so enjoy the scenery as you go. Just as road trips are more enjoyable with trusted travel companions, the journey to self-acceptance and self-love is easier with support from friends, family, and mentors. Surround yourself with people who uplift and empower you, and don't be afraid to ask for help when needed. Together, you can navigate life's road trip with courage, resilience, and compassion. Even the most exciting road trips need rest stops and refuelling breaks. Similarly, finding self-acceptance and self-love requires self-care and nourishment. Take time to recharge your batteries, both physically and emotionally. Prioritize activities that bring you joy, peace, and fulfillment, whether spending time in nature, practicing mindfulness, or indulging in your favourite hobbies. Have you ever found yourself stuck in a cycle of "what if" thinking? What if I fail? What if things don't go as planned? What if they change? What if, what if, what if? These what-ifs can be paralyzing, preventing us from taking steps toward our goals and dreams. The constant worry about potential negative outcomes or outrageous positive expectations in people, keeps us from moving forward, trapping us in a state of inaction. It's like being held captive by our own thoughts, unable to break free and live our lives to the fullest.
The truth is, these what-ifs are often nothing more than air castles. They're not real; they're just scenarios we've created in our minds. We spend so much time worrying about things that might never happen, constructing elaborate mental obstacles that block our path. It's like wishing upon a star, hoping for the best but fearing the worst, without any concrete evidence that these fears will come to pass. By giving too much power to these imagined outcomes, we lose sight of what's actually possible. When we allow ourselves to be controlled by what-ifs, we limit our potential and miss out on huge opportunities for growth and success. Instead of letting these fears dictate our actions, we should focus on the present and what we can do now to move closer to our goals. Embrace the unknown and understand that uncertainty is a natural part of life. By taking risks and stepping out of our comfort zones, we open ourselves up to new experiences and possibilities. So, the next time you catch yourself falling into the trap of what-if thinking, remind yourself that these fears are just air castles. They have no real power over you unless you let them. Focus on what you can control and take bold steps toward your goals. Let go of the imaginary obstacles and look ahead with confidence and courage. By doing so, you'll find that the what-ifs will lose their hold on you, and you'll be free to create the life you've always dreamed of. In the wild world of meeting deadlines and responsibilities, it's easy to laser-focus on the daily grind. But here's the thing: constantly focusing on work and neglecting other aspects of life can hinder your creativity. Creativity thrives when we allow ourselves to step away from the hustle and bustle of work and embrace moments of rest.
Think about it this way: when you're constantly immersed in work, your mind becomes laser-focused on solving immediate problems and meeting those deadlines. There's little room for your thoughts to think of new ideas. But when you give yourself the space to step back or zoom out and engage in activities that don't include work, you open yourself up to new experiences and perspectives. Downtime, the taking a pause, will make magical things happen. Suddenly, those out-of-reach creative ideas start to flow, and you find yourself inspired by the world around you. Whether walking in nature, starting a hobby, or daydreaming, these breaks provide a productive ground for creativity to grow. They will feed your soul, but persistence is required to break the work-thought habit. But it's not just about giving your mind a break—it's also about tapping into something greater. When we take time away from work, we create space to listen to the whispers from the universe. Call it intuition, inspiration, or divine guidance—whatever it is, it's there, waiting for us to tune in and listen. So, the next time you find yourself stuck in a creative rut, take a step back and let yourself disconnect from work. Trust that you're recharging your batteries and opening yourself up to a world of new possibilities by doing so. After all, creativity knows no bounds—it's up to us to create the space for it to thrive. Have you ever felt like something was holding you back, keeping you from reaching your full potential? It might be those sneaky little things called limiting beliefs—thoughts that creep into your mind and tell you that you're not good enough, smart enough, or worthy enough to achieve your dreams.
But here's the thing: those limiting beliefs aren't yours. They're not a part of who you truly are. They're just old stories you've picked up along the way, like hand-me-down clothes that don't quite fit right. So, take a moment to reflect. Where did these beliefs come from? Maybe they were passed down from well-meaning family members or teachers. Maybe they were born from an experience that left you feeling hurt or unworthy. But you can change that. You have the power to let them go. You can choose to release those old, outdated beliefs and make room for new ones that lift you up and support you on your journey. So, take a deep breath, and let it all go. Release those limiting beliefs like a balloon floating up into the sky, leaving you feeling lighter, freer, and more aligned with your true self. You deserve to shine bright and live your best life, so don't let anything hold you back. Embrace your power, embrace your worthiness, and watch as the world opens up before you. Finding ourselves in moments of deep sadness is often a reflection of being out of sync with our true selves. We might feel disconnected from our values, desires, or aspirations, which can lead to depression and disappointment. While it may be tempting to blame our sadness on external events or the actions of others, the truth is often more complicated.
Blaming others for our sadness can provide a fleeting sense of relief or justification but ultimately covers the deeper issues at play. External factors do not only determine our emotions; our internal perceptions, beliefs, and experiences also influence them. When we feel sad, it's often because we're confronting parts of ourselves that we may prefer to ignore or deny. In a way, sadness can serve as a mirror, reflecting back to us the parts of ourselves that we may have overlooked or suppressed. It's an opportunity for self-reflection and introspection, a chance to explore the underlying causes of our emotional state and uncover any habits that may be contributing to our misery. By acknowledging and accepting our feelings of sadness, we can begin to explore the underlying factors and work towards finding our true selves. This may involve reconnecting with our passions, values, and innermost desires and addressing any unresolved problems weighing us down. While seeking external sources of validation or fulfillment is natural, true happiness ultimately comes from within. It requires a willingness to confront our fears and insecurities, embrace our vulnerabilities, and develop a sense of self-compassion and acceptance. In moments of sadness, it's important to remember that we can shape our own reality and choose how we respond to life's challenges. By taking ownership of our emotions and embracing the journey of self-discovery, we can navigate through sadness with grace and strength, feeling more aligned with our authentic selves. |
Annica JohanssonMy name is Annica Johansson and I am an Artist, Art Life Coach and a Sound Healer. I am writing about personal development, daily musings, spirituality and depicting mother nature's amazing beauty. Welcome! Categories
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