Embodying Self-Worth: Knowing it vs. Living it

In the realm of personal development, the concept of self-worth is probably something you've heard of. It's something I see and hear about regularly and historically. Until I bridged the gap between "knowing" I was worthy as a concept and "living" like I was worthy, I was often left feeling like something was wrong with me. There wasn't though. I only needed to go at the pace of my capacity to embody the learning and become comfortable with life moving slower and more intentionally than my ego wanted to.

Understanding the subtle, yet profound, difference between merely knowing you are worthy and living like you are worthy can be transformative and leave you feeling so much more freedom in your life. There is almost nothing I love more than freedom in my life.

What is Self-Worth?

Self-worth is your inherent belief (and I would argue fact) in your value, deserving-ness, and right to dignity as a human being independent of how much you do, produce, or contribute. It is complex, as it intersects with grace, self compassion and confidence but it's simple in that your worth just is. Whether you believe it or not, feel it or not, sense it or not, it's always present, unwavering and ready for you to remember it.

Knowing your worth involves a cognitive recognition of your intrinsic value and acknowledging that you are deserving of respect, love, and happiness. However, living like you are worthy goes beyond acknowledgement and awareness; it is the conscious and intentional embodiment (bringing ideas in to action) of your self-worth through your actions, decisions, and relationships.

The Thin Line Between Knowing and Living

The distinction between knowing and living like you are worthy lies in the integration of this belief into your entire being. Yikes, that may sound pretty big, but it's a fancy way of saying you're ready to take a learned concept and put it in to practice until it becomes second nature or a part of you and your daily being-ness.

Knowing you are worthy might involve stating positive affirmations without necessarily feeling them, a general or vague felt sense of worth, and intellectual acceptance of your value. "I know I am worthy" or " I know I should think I am worthy". On the other hand, living like you are worthy manifests in the way you treat yourself daily, set boundaries, pursue your goals, and engage with the world and people around you. Living like you're worthy may also bring with it a profound sense of peace. Ahhhhh, I love that too.

Practical Steps to Embody Self-Worth

• Self-Compassion Practices: Cultivate self-compassion by treating yourself with kindness, understanding, and patience. Offer yourself the same warmth and empathy that you would to a dear friend facing challenges. This is a biiiiig topic and I recommend you check out this great resource -> https://self-compassion.org/

  
  

(I recently started a self-compassion book by Dr. Kristin Neff and was blown away by how much I didn't know or truly understand about self compassion!)

• Healthy Boundaries: Establishing boundaries is an essential aspect of self-worth. Learn to say no to things that deplete your energy or compromise your values, and prioritize activities that nourish your well-being. This is not the same as good vibes only or side stepping challenging life situations simply because they don't feel good. Again, such a big topic. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the systemic and cultural barriers that can sometimes get in the way of setting boundaries or having our boundaries accepted. Ugh, this one can feel hard. In whatever capacity you have, choice is a powerful thing, however. Where in your life can you align with choice and your agency? That's all for now on this one.

  
  

• Positive or Neutral Self-Talk: Your inner critic is always trying to protect you and is not a negative or evil thing. We all have one. The thing is, trouble arises when we yield to it or let it be the only seat at the thought table. Following its guidance, and believing its criticisms is a little like only listening to an angry toddler for life advice and encouragement. Try replacing self-limiting beliefs with intentional and deliberate empowering or even neutral thoughts. Practice self-affirmations that reinforce your worthiness and potential instead of practising ones that don't. Consume content from sources that reinforce your sense of agency, competence and worthiness. Seek out a therapist or other helping professional for those really deep beliefs that don't want to budge. They can be shifted, promise.

• Self-Care Rituals: Take care of your physical, emotional, spiritual and mental health through habits that work for you, feel good to you and leave you feeling yummy such as movement, nourishing your body, slowing down, connecting with nature, getting your social connection needs met and making that doctors appointment (I recently just did boring self care and had my first mammogram). Saying no, saying yes, mindfulness, and adequate rest are all also great.

Overcoming Challenges on the Journey to Self-Worth

Embodying self-worth is not always easy, as past experiences, societal expectations, and internalized beliefs can act as barriers. Being with these challenges with honesty and courage, seeking support from trusted individuals, therapists, or self-help resources when needed can be super helpful. Remember, the path to self-worth is a journey of continuous growth and self-discovery, always evolving & not a one time event.

Let self-worth be not just a belief but a lived reality.

If you'd like to explore more about living your self-worth journey, feel free to reach out for further guidance and support.

Keep going, you're doing amazing,

Heather xo