Rejecting Self

Rejecting ourselves Often when entering a conversation we become hyper focused on self. “What if I look odd, have a piece of food hanging off my nose? Do I look fat in these pants? Do I have a hair sticking up? “ “What if this person thinks I am stupid?” We get stuck in an inner dialogue about ourselves when talking to someone. This self rejection projects outwardly and the other person feels turned off. Your face displays disgust with self and their perception is you think they are disgusting. And just like that a negative interaction happens. You notice them backing away from you. Then their pulling away reinforces your belief that, “I am not worthy. I am not good enough.”

This inner rejection of self causes a negative interaction with others. How do we combat our feelings of being inferior and not worthy? 1. Identify our inner values. “I am a fun mom, kind sister, and giving person.” 2. What do I excel at? Giving? Creativity? Leading others? Teaching? 3. What am I gifted at and talented at doing? Mechanical? Physical labor? Intellectual? 4. Embrace these talents and gifts that you possess. No one else can be you but you. These talents were custom designed for you by our Creator. Now when we interact with someone those inner negative thoughts become less intrusive. We can then interact from a place of I am here and I am gifted at _______.My interaction with ______is going to be positive because I am offering these talents and gifts that I only I possess.

Linda Goad LPC, NCC, ALPS