One of the hardest things I had to learn was how to break the negative thoughts about myself. Many of us have tied our self-worth to the way we look. I know I am guilty of that. So, I decided to share how I learned how to measure my worth.
Before I went to treatment for my eating disorder, I used to look at myself with hate. Happiness was measured by appearance. My value was determined by the number on the scale. Beauty was defined by the way I looked. I placed so much emphasis on my body that I lost sight of the my worth. I distanced myself from friends and family. I spent most days thinking horrible things about myself. My energy would go towards keeping myself trapped in a negative mindset.
Once I began the recovery process, everything became more clear. When I started to do the things that aligned with my values, my self-worth was no longer measured by my body. My happiness was measure by moments of joy. Beauty was defined by the kindness I gave to others. Life became more about who I wanted to be rather than who I am not. The mirror was no longer needed as a comfort. Once I realized this, everything became clear and I saw myself for who I am.
How do you measure your worth?
Do you measure it by your appearance? Do you measure it based on your accomplishments? Do you measure it by the amount of likes you get?
We often think our value is determined by a concrete measurement. If someone asked you to describe your best friend, how would you describe them? You probably would define them by their character, what they do, and how they treat you. If you were to describe someone you love, you probably would talk about who they are as a person. We value our friends and family based on who they are, not what they look like. We see their value in their actions and the words they speak. If we can view others based on who they are, why do we not view ourselves based in that same way?
When we start to see ourselves through our positive qualities, we can begin to see our true worth. If someone you love were to define you, they would define you by the positive qualities you have. See yourself in the lens that others see you in. Your worth is so much more than an unrealistic measurement.
When those negative thoughts about myself creep in, I have to stop and think about what lenses I am looking through. If we are constantly looking through lenses that are filled with comparisons, jealously, anger, and self-hate, then we view ourselves negatively.
“The lens we look through will determine what we see.”
Stop hating yourself for everything you aren’t and start loving yourself for everything you already are. I learned to find my self-worth not in my accomplishments or my appearance but who I am. Your worth is who you are, what you do, the words you speak and the actions you make.
Next time you are faced with those negative thoughts, challenge yourself to look within. I promise, once you look within you will see the beauty in who you are.
Opmerkingen