Guest Contributor: Maryanne Katsidis
Also found on Instagram at: @maryannekatsidisart
When we transition from child to teen but
not yet in full adulthood, we go through such an array of emotions. What’s
interesting about this time is that we start to rebel. Mostly because we are
trying to feel more in control.
Often, we begin to shut things out and all
of our choices become a burden and even when there is nothing to rebel against,
we start to rebel against ourselves.
You might have found yourself starting to
feel lonely or isolated. You start to
believe you’re not worthy of being loved, not worthy of receiving attention and
care. Then the sadness arrives.
But guess what? You can do some small
things to let all of this go!
Step 1
Start with some journal writing. This is a fantastic way to get all those emotions
out of your head. It may draw up some
tears but so worth it. All that stuff
you’re holding onto needs to be released so you can feel better and lighter.
It might be that you’re feeling like you
cry a lot already, but it is always a sign that there is stuff you are ready to
let go of. Let it all out, let it flow on the page, write and cry if necessary
but make sure you write till every thought is out. That way it stops swirling around in your
head and you will get some clarity.
Step 2
Acknowledge that part of you that feels
fearful of being seen. The real you.
It’s so easy to go down the comparison
rabbit hole, the one where you look at other people and think you aren’t as
good, pretty etc. but you don’t belong there. It is time to acknowledge your
strengths. Again, this might be
challenging to find but even the basic things count. Time to take a long look at yourself.
What do you feel good about within
yourself?
It could be something external, it might be
a personality trait or maybe it’s about your relationship with others.
Be sure to write down five things that make
you awesome.
Step 3
Reviewing the list, you just created, how
can you begin to let others see more of the great things about you?
Now let’s write down 5 things that you’re
not so fond of. This might make you feel
a bit unsettled in your stomach, but it is going to feel better soon, stay with
me.
Looking at the list, I would like you to
write next to each one why this is actually a blessing. What is good about you
being like this?
You might initially say that there is
nothing, that it isn’t true. Everything
has a benefit. Really try to focus on
this. It is meant to be challenging but
there is a reason for it. These are the
silly things that are holding you back.
As an example, you might not like the way a
part of your body looks. Let’s say it’s
your stomach. One of the blessings could
be that it is a place where you nourish yourself, the place that helps you not
only digest your food but your emotions too.
Did you know that it is where we keep all
our self-worth?
Stay with your list, for every negative
there IS a positive.
Step 4
Make a list of things that you can do to
make yourself feel good. It doesn’t
matter what it is but something that really makes you feel that warm fuzzy
feeling.
Once you finish choosing three things from
that list you can do every day for the next three weeks. You will find a
significant change if you stick with it.
I love to journal, jump on my mini
trampoline and meditate every day. These
things make me feel energized calm and happy.
Step 5
Life goes in cycles and we can’t be happy
all the time. It is impossible when we
are constantly transforming and growing.
Think of the wheel, what goes up must come down, so it moves forward.
That’s what happens in life. You are allowed to feel whatever emotion you
are experiencing, but like all things it will pass.
The final step is acknowledging and
accepting how you feel and letting yourself be supported and loved no matter
what. The things you think are “not
good” are actually the best bits about you.
I’ve spent a lifetime trying to suppress the
fact I was really creative but because that was different from the other kids
and my friends, I tried to hide it. It
has taken a lifetime to get all that back because that’s what I love most about
myself and because I do, I now see that other people recognize that too.
You are enough just by being you. That should be your mantra. Repeat it over and over daily.
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