Self-Appreciation

Since I was a child and now, even into middle adulthood, I’ve always felt I had to live up to someone else’s expectations of who I should be. Someone always comments on...

‘Too fat, too thin, not enough exercise, too much exercise.

You need a hobby; now, you don’t spend any time with us.

Hair is too long, hair is too short.

Why do you wear those clothes?

Why do you wear that color of clothing all the time?

The list could go on

and on

and on

until you say...

ENOUGH!!

It’s time for me to be me.

Not just a wife.

Not just a mother.

Not a student.

Not an employee.

I. Just. Want. To. Be. Me.

Not who or what everyone thinks I should be or be like.

In our quest for joy and satisfaction, we frequently find out that we are pushing ourselves to appease others, trying to meet their demands and gain their validation. As time goes by and we gain more experience, a fundamental truth starts to become clear. It is impossible to constantly satisfy everyone. This understanding has the potential to bring about liberation and transformation, releasing us from the pressure of conforming to someone else’s ideals or standards.

The overwhelming burden of meeting everyone’s expectations and gaining approval, particularly in the era of social media, can be quite intense. We are constantly exposed to pictures of flawlessness and achievement, which convinces us that we should aim for widespread admiration. However, this is a task that may take years and a whole hell of a lot of luck to be accomplished. Not achieving instant success or notoriety, maybe not ever, is a valuable lesson that life conveys as we gain even more time and experience.

In reality, people possess their own distinct viewpoints, principles, and anticipations, rendering them one-of-a-kind. Each individual may come across different things as being attractive or appealing. It is impossible for us to adapt ourselves perfectly to the various preferences of every person we meet, no matter how much effort we put in. Ultimately, striving to satisfy everyone will only result in fatigue and disappointment.

Living in a genuine way involves respecting our own convictions, principles, and aspirations, regardless of whether they coincide with the viewpoints or anticipations of others. Being authentic and embracing our imperfections—yes, this is a hard one to swallow, but this takes bravery.

We must prioritize our own feelings and choices rather than seeking validation from others, so quit asking, ‘do these jeans make me look fat?’ Ask yourself if you’re comfortable with how they look, and if so, don’t give it another thought. While certain individuals may oppose and disapprove of this route, it ultimately guides one toward genuine happiness and satisfaction.

When we come to the understanding that not all individuals share the same opinions or provide encouragement for our endeavors, we can redirect our attention toward the most important aspects of our lives—the bonds and associations that shape our identities. In order to lead a truly meaningful and gratifying life, it is essential to have people around us who embrace and appreciate us for who we are, even when our beliefs and desires differ from their own.

Moreover, realizing that it is unattainable to satisfy every individual assists us in alleviating our stress and anxiety. It takes the edge off the mental burden of attempting to meet the never-ending societal, peer, and familial demands. We can prioritize our own well-being and mental health instead of depending on fleeting validation from others.

Self-reflection and self-acceptance are the first steps toward accepting our true selves and finally acknowledging that we cannot please everyone. This entails being aware of our personal abilities, limitations, and goals and appreciating them without depending on the approval of others.

As soon as we come to the understanding that it is impossible to constantly satisfy everyone, we will find greater liberation from societal constraints. Embrace the REAL YOU, live genuinely, and find comfort in the understanding that those who genuinely care about you are going to accept and admire you for who you truly are, rather than trying to mold you into someone else.