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Self-Regard

We’ve all been there – wanting to be liked and appreciated by everyone we meet. But the truth is, not everyone will like you, and that's perfectly okay. As the saying goes, "Even if you're the sweetest peach in the bunch, some people just don't like peaches." This week, let's dive into the concept of self-regard, which is the ability and tendency to accept yourself fully, both your strengths and your flaws, and still have confidence in who you are.




I’d like to share a personal story that beautifully illustrates this point. After publishing my book, I braced myself for a few negative reviews. Sure enough, one day I read a review that said, "This book was not for me. Immediately put it in the Goodwill pile." Despite knowing I might receive some negative feedback, it still stung. It's human nature to focus on the one bad review among 99 great ones.


Then, something serendipitous happened. I received a message on Instagram from a stranger who snapped a picture of herself with my book. She wrote, "Look what found me. On a day I was losing my heart, your book spoke to me." When I expressed my joy and asked where she got it, she replied, "The Goodwill. It's my place to wander, and I stumbled on your book and had to have it. I hope the location isn’t disheartening."

I was OVERJOYED! The book that someone discarded became a guiding light for someone else. This experience taught me a beautiful lesson: I’m not going to be for everyone, but I need to find my raving fans and put them in my front row.


Here are three ideas to help you elevate your self-regard:

1.     Focus on Your Strengths: Make a list of your positive qualities and achievements. Keep this list handy and read it whenever you start doubting yourself. Celebrate your strengths and remind yourself of your worth.


2.     Embrace Your Imperfections: Understand that everyone has flaws and makes mistakes. It's part of being human. Instead of dwelling on your imperfections, focus on learning and growing from them. Self-acceptance is key to building confidence.


3.     Find Your Raving Fans: Surround yourself with people who appreciate and support you for who you are. These are your raving fans, and their positive energy will help boost your self-regard. Remember, quality over quantity when it comes to relationships.


You won’t be for everyone, but that’s okay. Embrace who you are and let your self-regard shine. You are enough just as you are.



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