Sometimes we are feeling our best. Sometimes we are feeling our worst. And sometimes we may even start to believe that because we’re feeling worthless, we may be worthless. Some of you may even currently be feeling this way.
We were so inspired when we came across Jess Mary Aloe. Jess was a young woman who hated herself and could not see the beauty that was always there. When you read her story, some of you may even relate to the utter despair that she felt (see below). However, there is hope: the utter despair was actually disillusionment created by her own mind. And, it is also disillusionment that is happening with you, too.
Here’s a snippet of where she started:
“I used to be horribly insecure.
I’m sure most girls are insecure at one point or another, and I’m not trying to say that I never have moments where I lack self-confidence. But five years ago, I remember often sobbing hysterically because I hated myself so much. Social interaction was grueling because I spent the entire time convinced that everyone in my life secretly hated me and more importantly, should hate me. I was too ugly to even be worthy of friendships. I did not trust any of my friends because why would they want to be friends with me? It made the little, normal ups and downs of friendship excruciating. When I was a freshman in college, my friends went to see Harry Potter without me. (Why? Because I was in class and they were really excited to see it, I think.) Was this a deliberate slight? No. Did it feel like a validation of the constant stream of self-hatred going through my head? Yes. I hated my weight, the shape of my body, my skin, my voice, my laugh, my sense of humor…everything.”
Finally, she just made the decision one day that enough is enough, and she is worth more. She is worth being happy, confident, and belonging. Jess grabbed her best outfit, put it on, and threw out all of her old clothes that did not fit, a true reflection of her change in belief in herself. From that day on, she started coming out of her shell. She started doing things for herself that people who love and care for themselves started doing (i.e. taking care of her body with healthy diet and exercise, treating herself , and going with other people who could enjoy her company and whose company she could enjoy):
For some of you, it may just be a decision one day, as it was for Jess. For others, it may be a longer and more challenging path. By no means is it an easy one to take the first step! One tip Jess recommends is “faking it until you make it,” read the whole story here to learn more about Jess’ triumph to liking herself. I am certain this is possible for you, too, and I hope you find inspiration today!
It is possible. Just because you can’t feel like you can today, doesn’t mean you can’t take some small steps. What have you done to take some steps to turn around your negative self-image? Share them in the comments!
Be sure to follow Jess Mary Aloe on Twitter and read her blog here.