As we celebrate our country’s birthday this week, I am reminded of all of the freedoms and the gifts we are entitled to as Americans. Even as we move through this very unbalanced time, we still have so much to be thankful for.
Many of us struggle thinking we’re not enough.
Almost daily, my husband and I wrestle with our son’s constant comparison to others and his feeling that others have more or that he doesn’t have enough.
I have always struggled with the idea that I am not enough…not tall enough, not short enough, not smart enough, not thin enough, not strong enough, not successful enough, you name it.
What I didn’t realize is that I’ve been expressing my feelings of not being enough in the presence of my son. While I may not speak these words exactly, I’m articulating my feelings about scarcity in other ways like,
“We don’t have enough time to play this game,” or “You don’t have enough money to buy X,” or “I wish we had more of Y”.
This realization is a lesson and a reminder that our words matter.
They matter because what we say becomes what we believe, and ultimately what our children believe.
So this weekend, as we celebrate our country’s birthday, I encourage you to reflect on all the blessings in your life, and I invite you to apply these 4 steps to stop thinking you’re not enough.
Be aware. I have come to find that self-awareness is the gateway to all personal growth. It’s incredibly powerful. Simply become aware of the recording in your head that tells you you’re not enough and you’ll feel a huge weight lifted off your shoulder.
Be grateful. Once you become aware, consider all the amazing blessings in your life then take it one step further and write one down. Anytime I have an idea or a thought, I pull out my iPhone and jot it down in evernote. Keep a journal of your “gratitudes” and be amazed after 30 days at how many things you have to feel grateful for.
Speak in a kind voice. When you find yourself in that negative self-dialogue, ask yourself, “Would I speak to my best friend the way I’m speaking to myself?”. NO! You would not, so be kind and compassionate to yourself.
Stop the comparison. There is only one you. There is no one like you. Relish in the things that make you who you are, and stop worrying about what others are doing.
I will leave you with this, Jessica’s Daily Affirmation, an oldie but goodie. We are all born to feel like this little girl. May you be reminded of how amazing you are.
What strategies do you use to stop thinking you’re not enough? I’d love to know. Leave a comment below.
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Photo by Roberto Delgado Webb on Unsplash