Overcoming Insecurity
A wise man sat in the audience and cracked a joke. Everybody laughed like crazy. After a moment, he cracked the same joke again. This time, fewer people laughed.
He cracked the same joke again and again. When there was no more laughter in the room, he smiled and said, "You can't laugh at the same joke again and again; why do you keep crying over the same thing again and again?"
Insecurities are part of our being; in small doses, they are, like anything else in life, part of how we grow and make choices. Being insecure about a choice will make us ponder it for a while longer and, in a healthy context, help us pick the correct one.
Conversely, when we rely only on external feedback to help us eliminate insecurities, those feelings can affect our well-being, moral compass and our ways of life.
We feel insecure for many reasons; past experiences and personal or financial losses cause us to doubt our next steps. Some comments and feedback received at a certain point can change how we perceive our value.
Insecurity is similar to a defense mechanism; we must learn to use it to our advantage and not a detriment.
The first step to overcoming insecurities is to learn to consider ourselves worthy enough.
To accomplish it, we must stop comparing our lives with others.
In our modern times, it is easy to conclude we are not good enough, doing enough, or achieving enough. Simply scrolling through our phones and social media outlets, we find better options for everything we have or do.
We must consider that most of the time, we are not looking at reality but a distorted image created to hide someone else's insecurity.
We cannot live our lives in reference to others because those people are not designed to follow ours as we are not intended to follow theirs.
We must acknowledge that we are unique individuals with different paths in life, there is no right or wrong, and there is no better or worse. Our choices and paths are unique and valuable as long as we are not hurting others—we are not "just" doing or being something or someone. We are complete.
So how do we overcome some of these feelings?
A good start is recognizing and confronting our feelings rather than avoiding them. Our mindset should focus on personal growth, not what others expect from us or our comparisons.
We must understand that as part of the process, we will experience setbacks. Instead of letting them control us, we should work to overcome them as they present themselves and use them as a learning and growth platform. Failures do not define us; we should not keep crying over them the same way, we would not laugh at the same joke repeatedly. As my mom says, "let's not bandage our head before we break it," the worry about possible future failures should not stop us from moving forward today.
Ultimately let's embrace ourselves for the individual we are, with our unique characteristics and passions; it's the tool to challenge the surfacing of negative thoughts and help us think more critically.
Insecurity is a common struggle that many people face. Whether it's feeling self-conscious about your appearance, doubting your abilities, or worrying about what others think of you, insecurity can hold you back from reaching your full potential and enjoying life to the fullest. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to overcome insecurity and gain more confidence in yourself. Here are some tips to get you started:
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Identify the source of your insecurity: Before you can overcome insecurity, you need to understand where it's coming from. Is it rooted in past experiences or traumas? Is it based on unrealistic standards or expectations you have set for yourself? Once you identify the root cause of your insecurity, you can begin to address it and develop strategies for overcoming it.
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Challenge negative self-talk: Insecurity often stems from negative self-talk and beliefs about ourselves. Start paying attention to your internal dialogue and challenge any negative thoughts that arise. Ask yourself if your thoughts are based in reality or if they are simply a reflection of your insecurities. Replace negative self-talk with positive affirmations and focus on your strengths and accomplishments.
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Practice self-care: Taking care of yourself can help boost your self-esteem and confidence. This can include things like eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and practicing mindfulness or meditation. When you prioritize your physical and mental health, you'll feel better about yourself and be better equipped to handle any insecurities that arise.
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Surround yourself with positive people: The people you surround yourself with can have a big impact on your self-esteem and confidence. Seek out friends and loved ones who are supportive and encouraging, and who make you feel good about yourself. Avoid people who are overly critical or negative, as they can bring you down and reinforce your insecurities.
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Set achievable goals: Setting achievable goals and working towards them can help boost your confidence and give you a sense of accomplishment. Start small and build up to bigger goals over time. Celebrate your successes along the way, and don't be too hard on yourself if you experience setbacks.
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Get out of your comfort zone: Stepping outside of your comfort zone can be scary, but it can also help you overcome insecurities and build confidence. Take on new challenges, try new things, and push yourself to do things that scare you. The more you face your fears, the more confident you'll become.
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Seek professional help if needed: If your insecurities are severe or deeply rooted, consider seeking professional help. Therapy can help you work through underlying issues and develop coping strategies to overcome your insecurities. There is no shame in seeking help, and it can be a powerful step towards healing and growth.
Overcoming insecurity is not always easy, but it is possible. By identifying the source of your insecurity, challenging negative self-talk, practicing self-care, surrounding yourself with positive people, setting achievable goals, getting out of your comfort zone, and seeking professional help if needed, you can build your confidence and live a happier, more fulfilling life.
This is not an easy journey 😉 So, for the Overcoming Insecurity Manifestation Box I prepared you tools and the best crystals to help overcome insecurity and live a happy life. Stay strong, stay positive! Love, Szilvia