It is far too easy for us to look at ourselves with disdain. Maybe we have heard disparaging comments made by others about our personality or our body. Or maybe we just look in the mirror every morning and allow the negative thoughts to start piling up. Either way, we become uncomfortable with who we are. We begin to tell ourselves lies about our value. And the more we dislike ourselves, the more we try to hide from the world around us. But Open Eye Wellness has good news. You don’t have to live like that! It is time to get comfortable in your own skin.
1. Stop trying to become other people. You are a unique individual. There is nobody in the entire world quite like you! Many times, when we aren’t satisfied with who we are, we try to turn ourselves into somebody else. Not only does this subconsciously tell you that you aren’t good enough, it also deprives the world of a beautiful person! Obviously, we all have role models that we look up to and try to emulate in some ways. But it’s time to quit wasting time wishing you were exactly like this or that person. You need to be you!
2. Assess yourself in light of your situations. Often, we feel out of place, and attribute it to our personality or looks. But we have to realize that perhaps we feel uncomfortable or inadequate is because we are trying to do something that we were not made to do. It’s time to be realistic. Are you putting yourself in situations that you really want to be in? How close is the job you work now to your dream job? Is your major in college what you really want to be doing with your life? Perhaps you would feel completely at ease in a different situation. If you feel uncomfortable, it might not be about you at all.
3. Be open to constructive criticism. Nobody is perfect. And those who are most at peace with who they are are the ones who realize this and ask for help. Ask others to help identify which areas you could improve yourself in. This is not saying you should listen to snide comments that were meant to be insulting. This kind of feedback is most likely inspired from jealousy or pure rudeness and isn’t helpful. Instead, find a trusted friend who cares about you and let them speak into your life. Ask specifically, “Do I have any bad habits that I should break?” Take their answers to heart, knowing that you can do something about it.
4. Be diligent. Don’t be discouraged if you find things that you really want to change about yourself. Any good and healthy change will be attainable. You simply have to set your mind to it! Do you have a bad habit of complaining? Make a point to express gratitude to someone when you are feeling frustrated. Do you feel sedentary all the time and thus are not in shape? Set your alarm forty minutes earlier and take some time to work out before you begin your day. Remember, you don’t have to do this on your own. Get a close friend to keep you accountable.
5. Identify and make use of your good qualities. We know that everyone has some flaws. But we have to realize that everyone has their strengths as well. And you have your fair share. Identify what you are good at and what you enjoy doing (they are often one and the same). You will be surprising and how many strengths you really have once you think about it. Then figure out ways you can put all that talent to good use! Find niches that you can fill and people that you can help.
The way you view yourself is important. Let your self-image be realistic, but also accepting. You are who you are, and you are a beautiful and gifted person!