From Shattered to Strong: My Journey of Reclaiming Self-Worth

There was a time when I used to laugh without thinking. I used to enjoy little things—like the smell of tea in the morning, or watching the sky change colors at sunset. But slowly, I stopped noticing those things. I stopped laughing. I stopped living.

I didn’t even realize when I lost myself. It was like I was standing in a crowded room, screaming, and no one could hear me, not even the person I had married. It’s hard to explain that kind of pain to anyone. But if you’ve ever loved someone so deeply that you forgot to love yourself, then maybe you’ll understand. This blog is not just my story—it’s a reminder that no matter how far you fall, you can always rise again.

The Quiet Kind of Pain

Abuse doesn’t always start with loud voices or raised hands. Sometimes, it starts with silence. With cold shoulders. With a partner who stops asking how your day was. With someone who slowly turns your life into a routine of fear, doubt, and emotional begging.

That’s what happened to me.

It started small—being ignored, being blamed for everything, being told I was too emotional, too sensitive. I was made to feel like I was always the problem. At first, I thought it was just a phase. Then I blamed myself. And after that... I just went numb.

People often ask, “Why didn’t you leave?” But the truth is, you don’t even realize you’re in a cage when the bars are made of guilt and emotional confusion. I thought if I loved him more, he would change. I thought if I stayed quiet, he would stop. I was wrong.

Losing Myself Completely

I became a stranger to myself. I stopped dressing up. I stopped talking to friends. I stopped dreaming. I didn’t care how I looked or felt. I was just trying to survive each day—hoping for one kind word, one peaceful night, one moment of affection. But what I got was more neglect, more control, more emotional emptiness.

I remember one day looking in the mirror and asking, “Who are you?”

Not in a poetic way. I truly didn’t recognize myself.

I was tired. Not just physically, but tired in my bones, in my soul. I would cry in the bathroom quietly so no one would hear. I would wipe my tears and pretend to be okay. But inside, I was slowly breaking.

The Turning Point: One Small Step

One morning, I woke up and felt nothing. No anger. No sadness. Just emptiness. And for the first time, that scared me more than anything else.

I realized I had two choices:

1. Continue living like a ghost in my own life.
2. Or try—just try—to take one small step toward myself.

That day, I didn’t do anything big. I just went out for a walk. Alone. No phone. No pressure. Just me and the wind. And something shifted.

It didn’t heal me. It didn’t fix everything. But it was a beginning. The beginning of choosing me, even in the smallest ways.

Slow Healing: Choosing Me Again and Again

Healing didn’t come like a movie scene with dramatic music and tears. It came in the quietest ways—through morning walks, listening to music that made me cry and then made me smile, cooking for myself instead of just others, and talking to the friends I had once pushed away.

Some days, I felt strong. Other days, I felt like I was falling apart again. But I kept going. I started writing down things I was grateful for, even if it was just, “I got out of bed today,” or “The sky looked pretty.” Slowly, I started to feel again. Not just pain, but also peace.

One of the most powerful things I did was say this out loud:

“I matter. My feelings matter. My life matters.”

Even if I didn’t fully believe it at the time, I said it anyway. And eventually, something inside me started to believe it.

Learning to Love Myself Again

For years, I had begged for love from someone who had no love to give. I thought if I changed myself, they would finally see my worth. But the truth is, the only person who truly needed to see my worth… was me.

I began doing things I used to love—watching old movies, going for long drives, singing while cooking, taking care of my skin, and wearing what I liked. Not for anyone else, but for me.

I started creating boundaries—not walls to shut people out, but doors with locks. I realized that not everyone deserves access to my heart, my time, or my energy. That was new for me. And freeing.

I didn’t become confident overnight. But with every step, I felt lighter. Braver. Stronger.

Who Am I Now

Today, I am not the same woman who once cried herself to sleep begging for attention.

I am a woman who chooses peace over chaos.

Who says no without guilt?

Who listens to her body, her heart, and her soul?

I still feel things deeply. I still get emotional. But now, I see that as a strength, not a weakness.

I am proud of my softness, my sensitivity, and my ability to survive what should have broken me.

A Message to Anyone Who Feels Lost Right Now

If you’re reading this and you feel like you’re in a dark place—like you’ve forgotten who you are—I want you to know that you are not alone. I’ve been there. And I promise, there is a way out.

It doesn’t have to be a big step. Start small. Take a walk. Say no to something that drains you. Say yes to something that lights you up. Write your pain out. Cry if you need to. And when you’re ready, take another step. Then another.

Your story is not over.

You are not broken—you are becoming.

Becoming someone even stronger, even wiser, even more beautiful than before.

Thank you for reading my story. If it touched you in any way, feel free to share it. Sometimes, the words we need the most are hiding in someone else’s truth. 💛

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10 Signs you have finally started to respect yourself

 The cornerstone of a happy and purposeful existence is self-respect. It influences your self-perception, how you let other people treat you, and how you handle difficulties. Without it, you may struggle with self-doubt, seek acceptance from the wrong sources, and continuously compromise your principles. Everything changes, though, when you genuinely respect yourself. You gain self-assurance, your relationships get better, and you make decisions that are in line with your happiness and well-being.

I am aware that this is not an easy trip. There have been times when I've let other people determine my value in social situations, at work, or even in day-to-day encounters. I used to say "yes" to things I didn't want to do to keep other people from being disappointed. I continually question my own choices because I let other people's ideas influence me too much. However, I came to understand that having self-respect isn't about being flawless; rather, it's about having enough self-worth to make decisions that are in your best interests, even if they aren't always the simplest.

It's a big step if you've begun to put your health first and alter the way you treat yourself. However, how can you be certain that you're treating yourself with genuine respect? The following are some telltale signals that you're headed in the correct direction:

1. You Set and Maintain Boundaries

The capacity to say "no" without feeling guilty is one of the most significant changes that occurs when you begin to appreciate yourself. You understand that safeguarding your energy is essential and not selfish. I used to feel guilty about refusing favors or invites because I believed I was being impolite or cruel. However, I eventually came to the realization that continuously caving in to other people left me feeling worn out and undervalued.

I now realize that setting limits is a way to take care of oneself. You don't need to apologize or defend them. You have every right to refuse anything if it makes you uncomfortable or drains you. And when you do, you'll see that you'll gain greater respect from the appropriate individuals.

This change may manifest in a variety of ways:

• You cut off contact with those that sap your vitality, whether they be manipulative lovers, poisonous friends, or domineering family members.
• When establishing limits, you cease over-explaining yourself—"No" becomes a full phrase.
• You put your needs first without feeling bad about letting people down.

You can no longer put up with being taken advantage of or treated like an option when you value yourself. You no longer go out of your way to please people at the expense of yourself, and you stick to your convictions.

2. You No Longer Seek Constant Validation

Reaching a stage where you can feel good about yourself without the approval of others is tremendously liberating. I recall a time when I would obsess over every small detail, including my appearance, my speech, and even my beliefs. Before sharing anything on social media, I would think about whether or not others would find it appealing. I didn't trust myself enough, so I would look for confirmation for choices I already knew were good for me.

However, self-respect alters that. You begin to trust your own judgment more when you respect yourself. You no longer need approval, likes, or praise to prove your value. We all like to be appreciated and recognized, of course, but the difference is that it doesn't have to be the basis for your sense of value. Instead of doing things to get approval from other people, you start doing them because they feel right to you.

This also entails fearlessly accepting your uniqueness. You give up caring about conforming to stereotypes or exceeding irrational standards. Knowing that your worth isn't determined by how many others think well of you makes you feel at ease in your own skin.

3. You Walk Away from Things That No Longer Serve You

Whether it's a relationship, a career, or a circumstance that used to seem right but now doesn't, it can be difficult to let go. There have been times when I've hung on too long out of fear of change or concern about other people's opinions. I told myself that if I simply put in more effort, I could make it work and that things would improve. In actuality, however, being in circumstances that drain you merely deprives you of your enjoyment and personal development.

Self-respect entails having the guts to leave when something is no longer beneficial to you. It entails realizing that you don't have to remain in situations where you feel unloved, invisible, or devalued. You owe it to yourself to quit a relationship that no longer makes you happy, a job that makes you sad, or a friendship that seems one-sided.

Indeed, it can be frightening to leave. It's far worse to remain in a setting that makes you less bright. You create space for something greater when you let go of things that no longer serve you. You give yourself access to people and situations that support your development and well-being.

4. You take care of your physical and mental well-being.

The way you treat your body and mind is one of the most obvious indicators of self-respect. I ignored my health for a long time; I would eat whatever was handy rather than feeding my body, stay up late browsing on my phone, and disregard my mental health because I believed I could just "push through." But as time went on, I discovered that valuing oneself entails caring for oneself on the inside as much as the outside.

You begin to make decisions that promote your general well-being when you genuinely respect who you are. This comprises:

• Consuming meals that provide you energy instead of merely engaging in bad practices that make you feel lethargic.
• Exercise is important because it helps you feel strong, energized, and healthy—not only to maintain a specific appearance.
• Putting sleep first and scheduling self-care activities, such as therapy, meditation, or just relaxing guilt-free.

Making consistent decisions that respect your body and mind is more important than striving for perfection when it comes to self-care. It's about realizing that you have a right to bodily and mental well-being.

5. You Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

One of the main barriers to self-respect is comparison. The fact is that no one has your precise experience, your problems, or your special abilities. It's easy to feel like you're not accomplishing enough, successful enough, or attractive enough when you look at other people. On occasion, I've looked through social media and saw folks who appeared to be well-organized, which made me wonder whether I was lagging. However, the more I valued myself, the more I saw the futility of that way of thinking.

Respecting oneself causes you to turn your attention inside. You begin to value your own development rather than comparing your life to someone else's highlight reel. You understand that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to pleasure and success and that you are not necessarily failing because someone else is succeeding. You start to appreciate your accomplishments, no matter how minor, and have faith that your journey will be completed in due time.

You release yourself from needless strain and permit yourself to develop at your own speed the instant you quit comparing. Instead of obsessing over what you need, you are grateful for what you already have. Most significantly, you grow to understand that your value originates within and isn't based on how you compare to other people.

6. You Take Responsibility for Your Life

The realization that I had to take charge of my own happiness and that no one was going to help me was one of the most significant turning moments in my quest for self-respect. Whether it's an unsupportive family, a toxic ex, or a challenging employer, it's simple to place the blame for our situation on other people. However, you stop making excuses and take charge when you genuinely appreciate yourself.

This means:

Accepting responsibility for your errors rather than avoiding responsibility.

Deciding not just what is required of you but also what is best for you.

Realizing that although you have no control over anything, you do influence how you react.

Accepting responsibility is realizing that you can influence your own life, and not being harsh on yourself. You discover your full strength when you make deliberate decisions and stop waiting for outside events to alter.

7. You Surround Yourself with Positive People

Your sense of self-respect is greatly influenced by the individuals you choose to surround yourself with. Because I didn't want to be alone, I persisted in friendships even if I felt exhausted, devalued, or even insulted. However, as time went on, I discovered that exercising self-respect means choosing carefully who you let into your life.

You can no longer put up with negativity, gossip, or individuals that pull you down when you value yourself. You surround yourself with positive and encouraging people—friends who respect your limits, acknowledge your accomplishments, and offer encouragement. You give up on relationships that demand that you sacrifice your morals or shrink yourself to fit in.

Since nobody is flawless, this does not imply excluding people because of small imperfections. However, it does include identifying poisonous relationships and having the guts to leave them. You feel more confident and empowered to be who you are when you are surrounded by people who value and respect you.

8. You Accept Yourself Fully

Setting limits and making moral decisions are only two aspects of self-respect; the other is how you view yourself. You're not genuinely appreciating yourself if you're always berating yourself for your errors, shortcomings, or defects. I used to constantly relive my previous mistakes and wish I had been different in a lot of ways because I was my own harshest critic. But as time went on, I came to understand that accepting oneself with all of its imperfections is the key to having true self-respect.

You cease criticizing yourself for past errors when you appreciate yourself. You understand that learning, not self-punishment, is the path to advancement. You embrace your peculiarities, your talents, and even your flaws because you understand that they all contribute to your unique identity.

This implies that you continue to work toward betterment, but you do so in a compassionate manner. You begin to say, "I'm growing, and that's enough," rather than, "I'm not good enough." You learn to value yourself for who you are and treat yourself with the same kindness that you would show a friend.

9. You Speak Kindly to Yourself

The way you speak to yourself is one of the most significant changes that occurs when you respect yourself. I used to have a critical inner monologue where I was always questioning myself and concentrating on my shortcomings. However, I understood why I was saying such things to myself if I didn't say them to someone I cared about.

When you value yourself, you replace self-deprecating thoughts with positive ones. You remind yourself that everyone learns from mistakes rather than labeling yourself "stupid" for making one. You begin to reinforce yourself by stating things like "I deserve good things," "I am capable," and "I am enough."

It matters how you talk to yourself. You develop resilience, confidence, and a stronger feeling of self-worth when your inner voice is encouraging rather than judgmental.

10. You Chase Your Dreams Without Fear

Believing that you deserve the life you want is a sign of self-respect. It entails refusing to accept mediocrity out of fear of failure. It entails pursuing your objectives despite their scary nature because you believe that you are worthy of pleasure and achievement.

I used to be self-conscious, asking myself, "What if I fail? What if I don't measure up? However, those anxieties vanished the minute I began to value myself. I came to see that failure is only a part of the process and does not represent my value. You take chances, move outside of your comfort zone, and believe that you can do great things when you value yourself.

You no longer allow self-doubt to prevent you from going for your goals. Instead, you tell yourself that you deserve whatever you desire because you are strong and capable.

Self-respect is a process rather than something that happens all at once. It entails making decisions that are in line with your well-being, letting go of harmful behaviors and unlearning old habits. However, you get greater power the more you put it into practice.

Congratulations! You are respecting yourself in the greatest manner imaginable if you identify yourself in these indications. It's also OK if you're still working on some of these areas. Every action you do to value yourself is a positive step toward achieving self-respect, which is a lifetime process.

The most crucial thing to keep in mind? As you are, you are worthy. Continue to value yourself, and see how your life changes.

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Positive Self-Affirmations: 8 Things You Should Tell Yourself Every Day

 Our perception of the world, ourselves, and our capacity to overcome obstacles are all significantly impacted by positive self-affirmations.  They are more than simply words; they are strong statements that influence our subconscious and help us live happier, more satisfying lives.  I have seen firsthand the life-changing power of self-affirmations throughout the years.  Negative self-talk occasionally took over, telling me that I wasn't strong enough, capable enough, or worthy enough.  But with constant practice, I discovered that my ideas could change the way I saw the world.

I used to suffer from self-doubt and a persistent need for approval from others.  It seemed like I constantly needed someone else's approval to feel worthy, regardless of what I accomplished.  After that, though, I began rewiring my mind with affirmations.  I used to stand in front of the mirror every morning and say things that felt forced at first but soon became my reality.  I came to understand that affirmations are like seeds sown in your mind that, with time and attention, develop into powerful, empowering beliefs rather than magic spells that transform your life overnight.

Incorporating affirmations into your daily routine may have a profound impact if you struggle with feelings of self-worth, confidence, or happiness.  You may overcome self-imposed constraints and accept your true self with the support of these affirmations, which serve as a reminder of your abilities.  These are three important affirmations that have changed my life.

1. "I Am Enough Just as I Am" For a long time, I thought that to be appreciated, I needed to be more—more successful, more gorgeous, more educated.  The concept that we must demonstrate our worthiness through relationships, accomplishments, or material belongings is something that society continuously instills in us.  In actuality, however, self-worth is something you own rather than something you have to acquire.

 I can recall a time in my life when I was always evaluating myself against other people.  I always felt inadequate since there was always someone doing better than me, regardless of what I achieved.  I was able to change my perspective thanks to this assurance.  Even though I first didn't believe it, I began reminding myself, "I am enough just as I am."  I started internalizing it slowly. I found peace in embracing myself for who I am, warts and all, and stopped looking for approval in the wrong places.

 This affirmation is effective since it promotes acceptance of oneself.  You may break free from the draining cycle of comparison and self-doubt when you genuinely think that you are adequate.  You come to see that your value is independent of other people's perceptions or achievements outside of yourself.  You may be reminded that you are whole, valuable, and worthy of love and respect just the way you are by repeating this affirmation every day.

Having a morning ritual is one of the finest methods to reinforce this belief.  I tell myself, "I am enough just as I am," every morning as I gaze in the mirror.  It seemed strange at first, but eventually, it became a routine for me.  Another excellent method to continuously remind yourself of your intrinsic value is to write it down in a notebook or post sticky notes with these phrases throughout the house.

2. "I Am Capable of Achieving Great Things" I've doubted my capacity to accomplish this several times during my life.  My first reaction was frequently fear, whether it was beginning a new project, taking on a challenging task, or moving outside of my comfort zone.  I doubted my ability, intelligence, and tenacity to achieve my objectives.  This crippling self-doubt prevented me from seizing chances that would have allowed me to progress tremendously.

 I had a significant presentation at work one day.  I was so terrified of failing that I kept asking myself, "What if I make a mistake?  What if I don't measure up?  Then, though, I recalled this potent statement: "I am capable of achieving great things. "I kept repeating that while imagining myself confidently giving the presentation.  I began to believe it more and more the more I spoke it.  I had a renewed feeling of confidence when the time came.  I successfully gave the presentation, and I came to understand the effectiveness of self-affirmation in conquering self-doubt and dread on that day.

 This affirmation fosters a growth mentality, which holds that aptitude and intellect can be enhanced with commitment and hard work.  You begin to face obstacles with resilience rather than fear when you convince yourself that you are capable of doing great things.  You start to view setbacks not as failures but as chances to grow.

Take a minute to tell yourself, "I am capable of achieving great things," if you ever start to question your skills.  Write it down, say it out, and see yourself achieving it.  Consistency is crucial.  You begin acting in ways that are consistent with this notion the more you reinforce it.

3. "I Deserve to Be Happy and Loved" I used to think that I had to work for love and happiness as a child.  Perhaps, just possibly, I might be deserving of pleasure and love if I put forth enough effort, accomplished enough, or demonstrated myself sufficiently.  However, this way of thinking simply resulted in fatigue and disillusionment.  Deep down, I wasn't sure that I genuinely deserved more, therefore I found myself locked in relationships, friendships, and personal goals where I endured less than I deserved.

 I didn't realize how crucial it is to accept our own merit until I began using this affirmation.  Every morning, every night, and whenever I felt undeserving, I started repeating to myself, "I deserve to be happy and loved." My mind was trained to think otherwise, so at first, it seemed strange.  However, something changed with time.  I began making decisions based on what made me happy.  I put my health first, cut off harmful relationships, and looked for events and people that genuinely made me feel better.

 Because so many of us unwittingly accept less than we deserve, this affirmation is essential.  We continue to live in depleting circumstances because we believe that love and happiness are extravagances rather than essential rights.  In actuality, you deserve pleasure and love just by being; you don't need to do anything special to get them.

Start by saying, "I deserve to be happy and loved," every day if you have trouble believing this.  Remind yourself of it anytime you feel unworthy, write it down in a notebook, or recite it before bed.  You'll observe a shift in your self-care routine and decision-making over time.  You'll begin establishing limits, putting self-care first, and seizing chances that make you happy.

My self-perception has changed significantly as a result of these three affirmations: "I am enough just the way I am," "I am capable of great things," and "I deserve to be happy and loved."  They have assisted me in overcoming self-doubt, accepting my abilities, and developing a more positive connection with myself.  You could notice a significant change in your perspective on the world and yourself if you apply them to your everyday life.

My emotions used to seem like an erratic storm at one point in my life; they were ever-changing and sometimes overwhelming.  I would respond to circumstances on the spur of the moment, letting feelings of despair, worry, or rage control me.  Years passed before I understood that although I had no control over every occurrence in my life, I did have control over how I handled them.  For me, this realization completely altered everything.

4. "I Am in Control of My Thoughts and Emotions" Every day, I remind myself that I have power over my ideas and feelings.  This statement gives me the courage to think things through before acting, to take a step back, and to consider if my feelings are helping or hurting me.  I've discovered that emotions are signs that help me better grasp who I am, not my enemy.  However, I am not under their control.  I realize when I start to get frustrated, I no longer allow it to control how I behave.  Rather, I steady myself, inhale deeply, and ask myself, "What is the best way to handle this?"

I have had times when I felt helpless as if my feelings were in total control of me.  I can recall a particularly trying time in my life when I was overcome with tension and self-doubt.  I used to wake up with anxiety, allowing my problems to consume my whole day.  I only started to gradually regain my strength when I began to practice self-affirmation and mindfulness.  I now close my eyes anytime I'm feeling overwhelmed and tell myself, "I am in control of my thoughts and emotions."  When I say these words, I feel at ease and have a flash of insight amid the confusion.

5. "I Am Grateful for the Good in My Life"  Additionally, I've discovered that cultivating thankfulness may drastically alter my perspective on life.  I used to be preoccupied with what I didn't have, what I didn't do, or what I wanted had been different.  This kind of thinking simply made me tired.  However, my viewpoint changed when I began to consciously recognize the positive aspects of my life, even the little ones.  I started to feel better, lighter, and more grateful.  I spend a moment every morning to reflect on something for which I am thankful before I even check my phone or begin my daily routine.  It may be the encouragement of my loved ones, the straightforward pleasure of a hot cup of tea, or even the knowledge I've gained from trying times. My general level of happiness has significantly increased as a result of this tiny practice.

 There was a period when I had a hard time finding anything for which I was thankful.  I felt like I was falling short all the time, and life was heavy.  I then had myself write down three things every day that made me happy, no matter how small they might have looked, by starting a gratitude diary.  I became aware of a shift in my perspective over time.  I was enjoying what was right rather than dwelling as much on what was wrong.  I became more resilient, hopeful, and at peace as a result of this mental change.

6. "I Am Growing and Becoming Better Every Day" Reminding myself that I am improving every day is another effective affirmation that has benefited me.  I had a period of feeling stuck as if I was not moving forward no matter what I did.  However, in retrospect, I see that progress isn't always evident.  It takes place in the little things, in the lessons we discover, and in the way we respond to failure.  Every obstacle I have encountered has aided in my development.  I've learned something from every mistake.

 I now realize that improving oneself is about making steady progress rather than striving for perfection.  Sometimes development is as simple as turning up and trying again, and other times it involves taking a significant step forward. I continually remind myself that I'm growing, learning, and improving as a person.  I have faith in the process, even if I don't see results right away.

 I can see how much I've changed when I look back.  I no longer feel as though my actions were governed by emotions, I manage stress differently, and I have a greater appreciation for life.  These affirmations are more than simply words; they are a daily routine that has changed the way I think.  I keep reminding myself of these facts every day because I know that each time I do so, I am strengthening a stronger, more confident version of myself.

At one point in my life, I was burdened by things I couldn't alter, such as errors I had made, individuals who had harmed me, and circumstances that had turned out differently than I had anticipated.  I wished I could go back and change things, that people had treated me better, or that fate had dealt me a different hand. I spent a lot of time reliving these times.  But the past was never altered by much analysis, tension, or thought.  All it did was exhaust me and keep me mired in a cycle of regret and annoyance.  It took me a long time to understand that letting go is the key to true serenity.

7. "I Let Go of What I Cannot Change" I can recall a specific instance in which I felt totally overpowered.  I had been harboring hatred toward someone because I kept thinking about it, revisiting it, dissecting every aspect, and speculating about how I may have reacted.  It engulfed me, influenced my emotions, and even began to affect other aspects of my life.  "What do I gain from holding onto this?" I questioned myself one day, though.  Nothing was the response.  I decided to let go at that point because I needed serenity, not because what had transpired was acceptable.

Forgetting or acting as though nothing occurred is not the same as letting go.  It entails consciously choosing not to let those things determine my level of happiness.  I began telling myself over and over again, "I let go of what I cannot change."  It seemed like empty words at first, but the more I repeated it, the more I came to believe it.  I began to concentrate on the things I could manage, including my thoughts, my responses, and my future.  I gradually broke free from the past rather than allowing it to hold me captive.

Even now, I remind myself that I am not accountable for the actions of others, for mistakes I have already committed, or for situations I cannot alter anytime I catch myself reverting to the pattern of worrying excessively or worrying about something that is out of my control.  It is up to me to decide how I want to go.  I felt lighter, as though I had allowed myself to breathe again, the instant I began to embrace this fact.  Every time I try letting go, I regain a bit more peace of mind, but it's not something I can do once.

8. "I Am Worthy of All the Good Things Life Has to Offer" I battled for a long time with the belief that I wasn't worthy of success, love, or happiness.  When I saw people succeeding and leading happy lives, I would tell myself that I wasn't good enough and that I hadn't done enough to "earn" those things, rather than thinking I could have the same things.  I was hampered by this self-doubt in ways I wasn't even aware of at the time.  I would be reluctant to take advantage of chances, doubt my own abilities, and turn down compassion when it was shown to me.  It seemed like I secretly thought that nice things weren't meant for me, but rather for other people.

Things didn't start to change until I made a conscious effort to remind myself that I was as worthy as everyone else.  "I am worthy of all the good things life has to offer," I started reminding myself each morning.  It seemed weird at first as if I were uttering something I wasn't really sure I believed.  However, the more I did it, the more I became aware of minor shifts in my perspective.  I stopped doubting all the nice things that happened to me.  I no longer felt the need to defend my happiness, so I began to embrace it.  I started giving myself permission to have greater dreams and go for goals I had previously believed were unattainable.

When I finally accomplished something I had long desired but never believed I could have, it was one of my most powerful moments.  I accepted it wholeheartedly rather than reacting as I usually would, questioning if I really earned it.  I allowed myself to experience happiness, pride, and a sense of achievement.  I didn't minimize it or run away from it.  It belonged to me.  I became aware of how much my value had increased at that point.

 It is a continuous process for me to believe that I am deserving of success, love, and happiness, but I will not allow self-doubt to deny me the enjoyment I am due.  I no longer remain on the sidelines, believing that life is only for other people because it has so much to give. I tell myself daily that I deserve all the nice things that come my way, and I am receptive to them.

 Two of the biggest life-changing lessons I've learned are to accept my value and let go of things I can't alter.  For me, these affirmations are more than simply words; they serve as daily reminders of the contentment and serenity I am making a conscious decision to pursue.  I go on with an open heart, a free mind, and a spirit that knows it deserves the best that life has to offer since I am no longer burdened by the past or doubting my value.

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