I wondered if I’d ever be good enough
I’ve had bad self esteem ever since I was a kid. Growing up in a Filipino family, it felt like my mom and my aunts were always quick to criticize even when they didn’t mean to be mean, it stung. I could put on an outfit I felt so cute in, ready to feel confident, and they’d say, “That’s too much,” or “I don’t like it,” or even just call it ugly outright. I remember standing there pretending I didn’t care, but inside I’d start second guessing myself, picking apart how I looked and wondering if I’d ever be good enough.
Having low self esteem feels like carrying around this heavy voice in my head that never fully goes quiet. Even when someone compliments me, a tiny part of me wants to argue back or downplay it because it feels undeserved. It’s tiring always second guessing what I wear, how I look, what I say. But lately, I’m trying to lift myself out of that. I remind myself to wear what makes me happy, not what someone else approves of. I talk to myself kinder, even if it feels silly standing in front of the mirror telling myself I look good today, even if I don’t fully believe it yet. I’m surrounding myself with people who hype me up instead of tear me down, and slowly, I’m learning to be that person for myself too.
At the end of the day, I want to be the last person in my family line who has to battle this harshness from the inside. I want to be the one who tells my future kids, cousins, or nieces and nephews that they look amazing, that they are enough just as they are. I know I deserve that same kindness too so I’m going to keep showing up for myself, again and again, until I truly feel it.
#embracevulnerability #selfesteemchallenge #selfesteemtips #embracetheself #unfiltered
Growing up in a Filipino family, cultural pressures can often amplify self-doubt. My experience with harsh comments from family members made me question my worth, fostering a cycle of negativity. It's crucial to break this cycle intentionally, as I’ve been learning. I replace harsh self-talk with kinder affirmations, slowly shifting my mindset every day. Celebrating small victories—like wearing an outfit I love, despite fear of judgment—has been empowering. I’ve realized that the journey to self-acceptance requires patience and persistence. As I surround myself with positivity, I encourage others to do the same. It’s about building a supportive community and nurturing self-love in future generations. To anyone struggling with self-esteem, remember: you are enough just as you are, and it’s never too late to embrace that truth.
My grandma still does this to this day!! Like when I had last dyed half my hair and my grandma came to visit she was like, “im going to take you to the salon to get that disgusting thing off your hair” and just kept going at it 🥸😭 i had lowkey went off on her because Im a grown ass lady living in my own place since 17 you aint gonna be telling me how to dress myself or present myself, cuz all she wanted to do was make me look like a hoe