On self-esteem.

Photo by my gorgeous and talented friend, Camila Badaro.

I view self-esteem in two parts:

Uncovering self-worth and cultivating confidence.

💫Our worth is often buried beneath painful layers of toxic shame, fear, and deep wounding from relational trauma. The process of unloading these layers has to start with stabilizing our nervous system and creating a foundation of safety upon which to feel what is true of ourselves. We must feel safe in order to let go of the lies we were fed about our unlovability.

💫Confidence begins with a commitment to discovering what we need and what we desire. Once we become clear on our needs, we look for ways of honoring them. From a place of worthiness, we build trust in our capacity to lead ourselves.

💫Self-esteem can *only* be experienced from within our relationship to self. When we notice we are looking outside for validation or hustling for worthiness, we have the opportunity to pause. We can take this valuable feedback as fuel to turn our focus inward on the unmet need and support ourselves in a more supportive, heart-centered way.

💗Self-esteem is an inside job. Once we get off the ride of looking to others to define our worth and our capability, we open the door to liberation.