One of the greatest challenges to self-worth is negative self-talk. But according to CBT approaches, refuting and talking back to these thoughts can help us navigate moments that challenge our sense of self. So, here are three affirmations for self-worth.
I am worthy of being seen.
What does it mean to be seen? In the simplest since, being seen means that you feel acknowledged, your presence and needs matter, and that your humanity is validated rather than ignored.
To expand, let's explain something that stands in stark contrast to being seen – gaslighting.
Gaslighting is a form of psychological maltreatment and manipulation where someone sows doubt and confusion into another’s mind, especially about themselves. Gaslighting causes the recipient to question their own sanity, memories, intuitions, and values. In reality, the gaslighter normally wants control or to maintain their own “self-image.”
Typically, gaslighters seek to gain power and control over the other person by ignoring the person's point of view, feelings, sense of self, and then, they subsequently and habitually invalidate it.
After being gaslit, it's easy to feel confused, unknowledgeable, less than, wrongful, or even overdramatic. Experiencing this can affect our self-worth because gaslighting targets the essence of our perception. If you don't feel capable of perceiving, how can you learn yourself, your capabilities, and your beauty?
How can you see yourself? You are worthy of being seen, and you are worthy of seeing yourself.
Self care, boundaries, and also collaborating with mental health professional can help build a strong sense of self-perception as well. Check out options on Better Help here.
I am worthy of self-knowledge.
What is self-knowledge? It can be one of the most important features of navigating challenges, and it can also help you place boundaries.
For instance, it's important to exercise caution when someone is trying to tell you who you are, especially when they have taken it upon themselves to define your identity. You are your own person, and you have a right to know who that is.
In psychology, self-knowledge is used to describe the information a person uses to answer questions like, “Who am I?” and “What am I like?” Life experiences can help us acquire this information and so can relationships. However, this is why it's so important to choose relationships and groups that resonate with you. We also receive information regarding the self based on how others treat us, even though this information may not be accurate.
Humans are social creatures that gather information from their environments. So, it's important to find an environment that gives you good information and gives you the space for independent self-discovery. You are worthy of these spaces. You are worthy of self-knowledge.
I am worthy of peace.
Be gentle with yourself, and know there is nothing wrong with you. But, it's also important to understand that you are worth living a life where you actually feel physically, emotionally, and mentally comfortable or okay more than half of the time. Yes, this is for you too. You are worthy of peace.
Here are three affirmations for self-worth to contemplate. Hopefully, these have been helpful or have provided inspiration for helpful thought processes.
Cover photo cred: Pychologies