Valuing You Now: And Thrive Beyond Limitations

"Value yourself enough to know that you deserve the very best. When you do, you'll find that doors of abundance and opportunity will open wide for you." ~ Unknown

From the Desk of Karen Chaston

Recently my sister Liz sent me a photo, with a message "Going through old photos, thought you'd like this one."

As I looked at the photo, I thought "Wow, that is stunning. I don't remember ever looking like model material."

It's funny how at the time or possibly even now, we rarely value who we are. In any facet: mentally, emotionally, physically or spiritually.

Though this is not the first time I have looked at a photo of 'younger me' and thought wow, I look so good in that pic. Then I reflect back to the time when the photo was originally taken and remember thinking, I look shocking in that photo.... too old, too overweight, to this and/or to that.

This reflection assisted me to realise that none of my original thoughts were justified.

Because when you do value who you, your life flows with ease. You know your self-worth and then no matter where you are in your life, you love being you and you know that you are now living beyond limitations................ your self-imposed limitations.

What the reflection also assisted me to bring to light, is that our self-perception is a dynamic and ever-evolving aspect of our identity.

It can change significantly over time due to various factors, including personal experiences, life events, self-reflection and personal growth.

Self-perception refers to the way you perceive and interpret yourself, your characteristics, abilities and overall identity. It encompasses how you view your own physical appearance, personality traits, skills, accomplishments and even your worth as a person.

Understanding your self-perception is crucial for personal development, self-acceptance and building healthy self-esteem. It's also an ongoing process that can be influenced by self-awareness and intentional efforts to foster a more positive and accurate self-image.

This is why Lesley and I chose this week's newsletter theme to be "Valuing You Now!"

Enjoy this week deep dive into self-acceptance, self-love and self-value, whilst embracing one's worth in the present moment.

With Love

Karen

PS: the photo Liz sent me is at the end of this newsletter. Though before you jump down to check it out, it's important for you to know, that I love my current photos more. They reflect the true Essence of my wisdom, experiences and love of life!

The Difference Between Self-worth, Self-value and Self-acceptance

Whilst these concepts are related, they have distinct meanings and implications:

1. Self-Worth:Definition: Self-worth refers to the intrinsic belief that you have inherent value and are deserving of respect and love simply because you are a human being. It's the core belief that you are valuable, regardless of your accomplishments, external validation, or other people's opinions. Significance: Self-worth is the foundation upon which self-esteem and self-confidence are built. It involves recognising your innate value as a person, which can boost your overall well-being and resilience.
2. Self-Value:Definition: Self-value is closely related to self-worth but focuses on recognising and appreciating your unique qualities, talents and contributions. It involves acknowledging your worth not only as a human being but also as an individual with specific strengths and attributes. Significance: Self-value encourages you to embrace and celebrate your strengths, which can lead to a stronger sense of self-esteem and personal empowerment. It can also help you set healthy boundaries and make choices that align with your values and goals.
3. Self-Acceptance:Definition: Self-acceptance is the practice of embracing and fully acknowledging all aspects of yourself, including your strengths, weaknesses, imperfections and past mistakes. It involves a non-judgmental attitude towards yourself and a willingness to be at peace with who you are. Significance: Self-acceptance is essential for mental and emotional well-being. It allows you to reduce self-criticism and negative self-talk, leading to improved self-esteem and a more positive self-image. It also promotes authenticity and healthier relationships with others.

In summary:

• Self-worth: is the foundational belief in your intrinsic value as a person.
• Self-value: involves recognising your unique attributes and contributions.
• Self-acceptance is the practice of embracing all aspects of yourself with compassion and without judgment.

These concepts are interconnected and contribute to a strong sense of self-esteem and personal growth.

The Power of Self-Value in The Present Moment

Recognising and valuing yourself in the present moment is essential for mental and emotional well-being, healthy relationships, resilience and personal growth.

It empowers you to lead a more fulfilling and authentic life while positively impacting various aspects of your overall well-being.

What Gets in Your Way?

Self-doubt and societal pressures can lead you to impose various limitations on yourseld, hindering your personal growth and well-being.

Here are eight common limitations, you may have placed on yourself:

1. Fear of Failure: Self-doubt often leads to a fear of failure.
2. Perfectionism: The need for perfection can be paralysing, the unrealistically high standards, lead to chronic dissatisfaction and procrastination.
3. Negative Self-Talk: Self-doubt often manifests as negative self-talk.
4. Comparison: This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and the belief that your achievements or appearance are inferior to those of others.
5. Imposter Syndrome: Many individuals doubt their own accomplishments and believe they don't deserve their success. T
6. Limiting Beliefs: Self-doubt can foster limiting beliefs about one's abilities and potential, preventing you from pursuing new opportunities growth.
7. Avoidance of Challenges: Self-doubt often leads to the avoidance of challenges and opportunities for growth.
8. People-Pleasing: Prioritising the opinions and expectations of others over your own needs and desires, limiting your autonomy and authenticity.

Overcoming these limitations often involves cultivating self-acceptance, self-compassion,and self-confidence. Additionally, seeking support from friends, family, or professional life mentors can be instrumental in challenging and moving beyond self-doubt and societal pressures.

Ideal ways to increase your self-value

Increasing your self-value involves developing a positive self-image, recognising your worth and cultivating self-compassion.

Whilst there is no one-size-fits-all approach, here are some three of the 25 key principles and strategies we share in our Beyond Limitations program, that can help you enhance your self-value:

1. Practice Self-Acceptance: Accept yourself, flaws and all. Understand that imperfections are a natural part of being human. Self-acceptance is the foundation of self-value.
2. Challenge Negative Self-Talk: Identify and challenge self-critical thoughts. Replace them with positive affirmations and encouraging self-talk.
3. Set Realistic Expectations: Avoid setting impossibly high standards for yourself. Set achievable goals and recognise that making mistakes is part of the learning process.

• Find a quiet space and sit or lie down comfortably.
• Close your eyes if you feel comfortable doing so.
• Focus your attention on your breath.
• Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose, counting to four.
• Exhale slowly and completely through your mouth, counting to six.
• Repeat this process for several breaths.
• When your mind wanders, gently bring your focus back to your breath.

Practice this exercise for a few minutes each day to reduce stress and increase mindfulness.

In Summary

Life is all about building a healthy relationship with yourself, one that is rooted in self-acceptance, self-compassion and self-awareness.

Embrace where you are in life. The Age and the Stage you are currently experincing as our self-perception often shifts as we transition through different life stages.

In adolescence, for instance, self-identity may be heavily influenced by peer relationships and external validation.

In adulthood, self-perception may become more influenced by personal values, goals, and achievements.

As we age, our self-perception may change as we adapt to new roles and responsibilities.

Be kind to yourself along the way and celebrate the progress you make in recognising your intrinsic worth.

Remember that increasing your self-value is a journey that requires patience and ongoing effort.

Reach out if you'd like to learn more about our Beyond Limitations program.

Until we meet again, always remember that you are?Simply The Best!

PS: Please subscribe to our Beyond Limitations newsletter for future content on personal growth and self-empowerment.

The photo, Karen refers to in the introduction: