Identifying and Remembering Self
Self acceptance has always been such a difficult subject for me. I tend to get into relationships where I'm the fixer, whether it's romantic, platonic, or just peer. I want to help someone and I often don the white scrubs of a clinical therapist and sit with one knee hooked over the other (even if it hurts after an hour).
That's all to say that I often meet problems with being stifled. It's easy to nod and accept others, but recognizing your own boundaries can be difficult. My values and beliefs take such a back seat, I don't even look at them half the time! But it's not healthy to forget yourself so often. To ignore your feelings for the sake of others.
It comes as second nature to so many of us, but sometimes we treat ourselves so dismissively. This is a behavior I had to recognize and actively dwell over.
After a long day of listening to my family's struggles and woes, I sit down and journal. I made myself a rule to never journal about any one else's problems- to leave that for their own journals. Mine is for me. How do I feel? What are my goals? Did I have fun today? What did I succeed at? What are my plans tomorrow?
That's a form of mindfulness! It helps strengthen your relationship with yourself.
It's not selfish to say 'I'.
That's a hard fact to learn.
When you put your feelings on the back burner, we run the risk of it boiling over out of eyesight.
Don't forget to tend to them too.
🌼 What ways have you found to help you stay mindful and accepting of your own feelings?
@BeesOnFlowers
Your reflections really resonate with me! Self-acceptance can be such a tough journey, especially when we tend to prioritize others' needs. And I love that you journal specifically for yourself—it sounds like a powerful way to reconnect with your feelings.
Personally, I find that setting small daily intentions helps me stay mindful. It’s a gentle reminder to acknowledge my needs without feeling guilty💛
@Phoenixthepoised Hey Phoenix! I like that you shared this with us, thank you. Indeed setting daily intentions is a wonderful way to help us stay mindful.
Continue the great work. 💓
@GentleHealingInitiative
Pleasure is mine!😊 And thank you for your kind words!
@BeesOnFlowers Thank you for your post, and speaking about this. It takes a lot of courage and bravery to talk about these experiences and I applaud you for doing this.
I really enjoyed when you stated that it’s not healthy to forget yourself so often, to put your feelings on the back burner, as it runs the risk of boiling over, especially out of eyesight. I completely agree with this and couldn’t have said it better myself!
Sometimes we don’t even realize we’re dismissing ourselves at all because of the busy pace of life. I must compliment that you actively recognized doing this and are working on it. I’m glad you’re taking some time for yourself, journaling your problems, and creating a stronger relationship with yourself. I think you deserve credit for recognizing and working on this. Amazing work. I’ve found that meditation helps me be mindful of my emotions. I enter a calmer state more regularly and I am able to focus better and accept my emotions more readily. Keep up the beautiful work. ⭐
@BeesOnFlowers
doing meditation and spending time with me
I love love love this post! It's so wonderful that you have an exclusive journal that's just about you. Being mindful of creating an "only you" space like this is so important!
The way I practice being mindful and accepting of my own feelings is by making sure that I'm isolated? Because people around are bad for my growth :'v I learnt to prioritize my gut feelings regarding giving people my time. It's somehow always right.
@BeesOnFlowers, I love your introspection in this post! I can see the hard work that you have put into your self-care. You will surely reap the benefits of that work! For myself, I find that starting my day by doing something as simple as getting ready as much or as little as I want, keeping in mind what perfume or face products I want to use that day, helps me put myself first and reminds me to "fill my cup" first and foremost!
@BeesOnFlowers
your post was very introspective and am sure will resonate with almost everyone. We tend to be there for others and try our best to solve other's issues sometimes at the expense of burning ourselves out. For me self care breaks are a coping mechanism. I try to take a break after any emotional connection and reflect on my own feelings and needs.
@BeesOnFlowers, quite insightful! I've found that setting aside time for self-reflection, like journaling about my own experiences and emotions, really helps me stay mindful of my feelings. I try to check in with myself regularly, especially after emotionally draining situations, so I can acknowledge what I'm feeling without neglecting my needs. It's a reminder that it's okay to focus on "I" without guilt and to tend to my emotional well-being.