Have you ever really taken the time to consider how you see yourself? The image that you hold of yourself has a powerful effect on how others see you. It can even impact how they treat you. If you act as if you have a low opinion of yourself, people are likely to treat you differently. Some may even take advantage of you and treat you in a way that makes you feel unhappy and insecure.
The next time that you look in the mirror try asking yourself the following questions. Who am I looking at? Do they look happy? Do they look confident? Are they someone that I would chose to spend time with? They may seem like simple questions, but the answers can be quite thought provoking.
We are all unique individuals. Born to be different. Each with our own genetic code and yet in so many ways we strive to be the same as others. To conform to the ‘norm’. The reality is that there is no such thing as normal. We are who we are. Gloriously unique.
If we were all introverts, how would the world function? Who would raise their voices in the face of injustice? If we were all extroverts would we drive each other crazy? Society best functions as an eclectic assortment.
Perhaps you have some internalised messages such as “I’m not good enough” or “I don’t fit in”. Have you ever considered exploring where these messages come from? Maybe you are already aware of their source but they are so ingrained, your belief in them feels unshakable.
Imagine a box of chocolates. You are likely to have some favourites that you feel drawn to. There may be others that you enjoy a little less. Perhaps there are some you avoid because they’re not quite to your taste. Someone else may be drawn to the ones you left behind. The box is made up of an assortment. Viewed differently by each person that lifts the lid. Each chocolate is valued and enjoyed.
“When you're different, sometimes you don't see the millions of people who accept you for what you are. All you notice is the person who doesn't.” Jodie Picoult.
There is no right or wrong way to be. There is only you. Exploring who you are can be both challenging and rewarding. Taking this journey with the help of a counsellor can help you to make any changes you wish to make as well as to accept the parts of you that remain. Accepting who you are and learning to love yourself can be a most empowering and life affirming experience. It can impact your current relationships as well as positively influence future ones. It could be the greatest gift you give yourself.
Are you ready to look in to the mirror and investigate who you see?
“The worst loneliness is to not be comfortable with yourself.” Mark Twain
The New Dawn Counselling centre is committed to providing support for individual adults, couples, children, young people and families. You can contact us to book an initial assessment appointment via our website or email. Online sessions and a limited number of face to face sessions are available.