In the first part of this blog I have looked at New Year’s resolutions and how they can trigger in us into feeling not ‘good enough’. In this second part, I will be exploring ways that can help silence the inner critic in an attempt to be happier with whom we presently are.
Focus on growth
Let’s look at how far we’ve come rather than how far we have to go. Having a perfect life is fallacious, perfection does not exist in our day to day life. So let’s strive to reach our best potential and be happy with our achievements during the past year. Instead of focusing on our weaknesses and mistakes, let us focus on our blessings and successes.
‘We can’t hate ourselves into a version of ourselves we can love’ (Lori Deschene)
In today’s world we seem to have pressure to constantly conform and fit in. We need to look a certain way, earn a certain income, be a good parent, a good employee, have a large circle of friends. This can cause stress and anxiety that pushes us towards not feeling ‘good enough’ because there are too many expectations to reach!!! Moreover, in all this, we tend to forget the good, the beautiful, the determined, the strong and the unique aspects of ourselves that makes us special right here, right now.
Accept your life story as it is now
Let us embrace and make peace with whom we are today. Let us let go of those feelings, emotions and behaviours that no longer serve us and are keeping us stuck in the same place. Let us take a deep breath, close our eyes and say ‘I do not have to constantly strive to achieve, I am ok, I am good enough…’
Anna Catania is a counsellor with Willingness. She has had a special interest in working with clients facing intimacy and sexual difficulties and runs a service for families going through cancer and chronic illness. She can be contacted on anna@willingness.com.mt or call us on 79291817.