Why do we despise ourselves so very much? Why do we refuse to be our very best friend?
Oh, you are so right. Self-esteem is our power, yet it can be unseated by the cutting or indifferent words of an Other whose approval we feel is important. This happened to me yesterday. The Other was my son. I was feeling high because I'd just had a birthday and many friends acknowledged it. Then with a few words - words - his, not mine, I fell into a place of self-hate. I was surprised how quickly it happened and how strong a hold this feeling had on me. I recover using tools learned over the years that help me feel strong, tools that are similar to yours.
Your point about the need to love ourselves before we can write well, whether it is poetry or prose, is a point well taken. Thank you for your essay, Jennifer.
Thank you so much for joining me here, Mare. I so appreciate your sharing, especially how you describe the experience as falling into this place of self-contempt so quickly. With experience and healing, I am learning to more quickly show kindness to myself when I fall into these feelings, rather than doubling down on the contempt, which is what I so often did before. I am so grateful for your vulnerability and wisdom. I am happy you’re here.
Why do we despise ourselves so very much? Why do we refuse to be our very best friend?
Oh, you are so right. Self-esteem is our power, yet it can be unseated by the cutting or indifferent words of an Other whose approval we feel is important. This happened to me yesterday. The Other was my son. I was feeling high because I'd just had a birthday and many friends acknowledged it. Then with a few words - words - his, not mine, I fell into a place of self-hate. I was surprised how quickly it happened and how strong a hold this feeling had on me. I recover using tools learned over the years that help me feel strong, tools that are similar to yours.
Your point about the need to love ourselves before we can write well, whether it is poetry or prose, is a point well taken. Thank you for your essay, Jennifer.
Thank you so much for joining me here, Mare. I so appreciate your sharing, especially how you describe the experience as falling into this place of self-contempt so quickly. With experience and healing, I am learning to more quickly show kindness to myself when I fall into these feelings, rather than doubling down on the contempt, which is what I so often did before. I am so grateful for your vulnerability and wisdom. I am happy you’re here.