Hello, everyone! It’s another Wednesday, and as part of our Flyleaf Talks About Stuff series, we’re diving into an important topic that’s been echoing through the week — self worth and self esteem. Join us as we navigate these concepts and explore how they impact our everyday lives.
The Sweltering Weather and the Cool Topic
Before we delve deep into self worth, let’s talk about the heat! Here in North Carolina, it feels like we’re constantly steaming. With temperatures soaring into the hundreds, simply stepping outside results in a glistening sweat. Remember to hydrate, whether you’re in the sun or indoors.
Understanding Self Worth and Self Esteem
Now, onto the heart of the matter: self worth and self esteem. Throughout the week, conversations in my office have revolved around feelings of being unworthy of love or kindness. It’s crucial to understand that there’s a distinct difference between feeling worthless and understanding your innate worth.
Self worth is the inherent belief that you are valuable, regardless of external opinions or achievements. Unlike self esteem, which fluctuates with external validation and comparisons, your self worth remains constant. Regardless of the accolades you receive or the opinions others hold, your worth does not alter.
Parenting and Influence: Unseen Impact
Interestingly, we influence others, often without realizing it. In parenting, for instance, we learn from each other, whether we are consciously aware of it or not. Our presence and absence are both observed, emphasizing that our contributions are pivotal, even when unnoticed.
Self Esteem: Pitfalls of External Validation
The notion of self esteem has evolved, often hinging on external validation. We hear voices of critics more than our supporters, which can distort our perception of self worth. Achievements don’t define us; our essence does. Remember, while accolades and accomplishments are celebrated, they don’t determine your self worth.
Self Compassion and Acceptance of Change
Kristen Neff’s insights on self compassion reveal the pitfalls of the self esteem movement, which often relies on comparisons to others. It’s important to embrace self worth, independent of external validations. Shifting life phases, such as retirement or career changes, require us to reassess our value based on personal growth rather than societal labels.
Community and Purpose: Beyond Professional Identity
Communities often shape our identity. Whether you’re retiring from the military or transitioning from a long-held profession, understand that your worth is intrinsic. While your role may change, your value does not. It’s about finding new ways to connect and contribute, keeping depression and loss at bay.
The Metaphor of the Seedling
Recalling a beloved analogy, consider the rose seedling. At every life stage, from seed to bloom, it holds immense potential. Similarly, we must cherish who we are today, acknowledging that we reinvent ourselves continuously. Celebrate your struggles, as they lead to your victories.
Infinite Worth: Beyond Accomplishments
Ultimately, our worth is infinite and unwavering. Much like the newborn, who contributes without tangible achievements, our value lies in simply being. It’s pivotal to embrace our existence and inherent worth.
Stay Connected with Flyleaf Counseling
Thank you for joining us. To follow our journey or seek counseling, find us online at Flyleaf Counseling on Facebook, Instagram (Flyleaf underscore counseling), and at FlyleafCounseling.com. We’re licensed in several states, including North Carolina and Florida, and ready to assist you on your path to self discovery and healing. Reach out, and we’d be delighted to help.
Until next time, take care and remember, your worth is immeasurable.