Free Up Your Mind, Free Yourself!

"The problem isn't people talk bad about you, but you believe in what they say even when it is wrong."     

I am unworthy;

I am incomplete;

I lack a lot;

I hurt people;

I can't make people happy;

I am wrong;

I can't do anything;

I am useless...

Aren't these words demoralizing? Why do we punish ourselves by being so hard on ourselves? Why do we put ourselves down?

Self-inflicting judgments and self-limiting beliefs take a toll on our mental and emotional well-being. As far as self-sabotaging is concerned, we all are in the same club! From now on, let's pledge to be more mindful of our words and actions towards us.  

Let me take you through five ways to break free from the vicious cycle of self-criticism along with simple exercises to stimulate the change within.  

1. Offer forgiveness for your guilt and regrets...

"The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong." - Mahatma Gandhi 

We carry along the emotional baggage of guilt and regrets. The wrong choices, actions, and decisions in the past could be the reasons to feel guilty. We all make mistakes but never keep an open mind and a big heart to forgive ourselves. The regret of things you couldn't do, hurting your loved ones, and not achieving wish list goals eat away mental peace. If you find reasons to hate yourself, you will find many, but if you try to find reasons to love yourself, you come up blank. Taking note of your little acts of kindness, empathy, love, and achievements can take you a long way.  

·       Exercise: Stand in front of the mirror, look into your eyes and say this like you mean it! - "I forgive myself wholeheartedly!" 

2. Untangle the self-improvement trap...

"There is nothing noble in being superior to your fellow man; true nobility is being superior to your former self." - Ernest Hemingway

Being self-aware is an ever-evolving journey. There is always room for improvement, but it has to have a limit. If you don't understand where to stop, you will not be happy with who you are. No matter how hard you try, you can't vanish all your flaws and imperfections, and that's the beauty of being yourself. 

·       Exercise: Ask yourself, "Is the ultimate goal of my self-improvement journey to be perfect or a better soul?" 

3. Your soul evolution life story...

"What you do things from your soul, you feel a river moving in you, a joy." - Rumi

Our choices, likes, dislikes, and mental makeup are ever-changing. The soul's evolution journey is not static but dynamic. Hence, don't define who you are based on who you were in the past. Think how you see yourself two years from now and initiate the measures to be your true future self accordingly. 

·       Exercise: Part your journal in three sections as follows, 

                    Section 1 - Past you                     Section 2 - Present you                     Section 3 - Your future self (A person you wish to become.)

                    Describe in detail each section.

                    Track the transformation of your higher self as a better person and recognize   

                    the areas to work on. 

4. Mindset and perspective matter...

"Change your perspective, and you discover a new story."

This is a thought-provoking thought! You can't control the situations and circumstances, but you can choose the right perspective. Your perspective decides whether the glass is half full or half empty. Pick any experience that is bothering you and explore the factors, beliefs and experiences that are holding you back. 

·       Exercise: Ask yourself, "What did I learn from my shattering experiences?"  

5. Self-love and self-acceptance are paramount...

"The worst loneliness is not to be comfortable with yourself." - Mark Twain

Learn to love yourself because you can't pour from an empty cup. Nurture and nourish your soul to feel content, prosperous and abundant. Treat yourself with empathy, compassion, and kindness. Never define your self-worth based on your flaws, weaknesses and shortcomings. Your self-worth depends on how you are as a human being. Celebrate your individuality and commendable qualities that make you who you are. 

·       Exercise: Repeat this affirmation as often as possible in a day - "I love you, my dear!", "I accept you, unconditionally!" 

In conclusion,

No one can be you; so, endorse and own your uniqueness!