Recognize Your Self-Worth

Hey, Mel Chante here. First things first, let's take a few breaths to get present. Close your eyes. See where you're holding tension and release. Take three, deep, slow breaths. Inhale deeply through your nose. Exhale deeply through your mouth. Second time, in and out. Last time, in and out. Now, let's start by just noticing our thoughts. Observe them. Don't judge them. Simply notice what thoughts are floating around up there. Allow them to come and go. I'll give you a minute. Our thoughts reveal the relationship we have with ourselves. Every day, thousands of thoughts float in our minds. Sometimes they're positive. Other times not so much. Our negative thoughts don't always reflect the truth. We've all thought we couldn't do something, and then we proved ourselves wrong, like when we got into that school, or got that job, or got that raise. All day, we're analyzing our environments, other people, ourselves. It's human to be overly critical, but when we are our self-esteem takes a die, which not only affects us, but also our relationships. There's research that shows the way we relate to ourselves directly influences the way we relate to others. People who criticize themselves a lot are more likely to be depressed, anxious, or have lower self-confidence. Instead, try self-compassion. It allows us to be aware of our struggles and relate to ourselves with kindness. The key is to notice when negative thoughts do come. Then allowing them to pass remaining unattached to them gives you power over your mind. One technique for this is actually saying, I'm having the thought that when any negative thought comes to your mind. Take a moment to try it right now? Close your eyes and really notice how you feel. When a thought comes up, say to yourself, I'm having the thought that and replace it with whatever you're thinking. Doing this can help you take your thoughts a bit less seriously. You'll begin to feel more in control and see yourself in a new light. Rather than spending energy criticizing yourself, try turning that energy into compassion. When we treat ourselves with compassion, it's that much easier for us to do the same with other people. It's a habit we build over time, but trust me it's worth the effort and patience. Before you go, repeat after me. I treat myself with compassion. I have power over my thoughts. One last time. I treat myself with compassion. I have power over my thoughts. You got this....