Hey girl 👋🏼. I see YOU!

It’s a tough truth to swallow, isn’t it? That feeling when you look around and wonder, "Is anyone truly proud of me?" I’ve been there, stuck in that corner the original post talks about, pushing my own needs aside until my voice was barely a whisper. For so long, I believed my worth was measured by other people's applause, their approval. I chased that feeling, doing things I didn't care about, just for a fleeting moment of external pride. But as I learned, and as you might be discovering too, that feeling never lasts. It leaves you feeling even emptier, because it’s not your pride. What I’ve come to understand on my own journey of rediscovery is this: the only person whose pride truly matters, in the long run, is your own. This isn't selfishness; it's self-preservation. It's about building an unshakable foundation within yourself. If you're reading this and feeling that struggle, wondering how to shift from seeking external praise to cultivating internal self-worth, I want to share some things that have really helped me. First, start small. We often overlook our everyday achievements. Did you get out of bed today despite feeling overwhelmed? Did you tackle a difficult task at work, even imperfectly? Or maybe you simply chose to be kind to yourself when you normally wouldn't. These are all moments to acknowledge. I started keeping a "proud of me" journal. At the end of each day, I write down three things, big or small, that made me think, "You know what? I'm proud of me for that." It could be for speaking my mind, setting a boundary, or just learning something new. This really helps to shift your perspective and build that internal narrative that you are worthy of pride. Secondly, embrace the idea that "you are doing the best you can & your best is enough." I saw this message recently, and it resonated deeply. We often hold ourselves to impossible standards, fueled by societal expectations or past criticisms. But what if we paused and genuinely believed that right now, in this moment, you are doing your best with the resources and knowledge you have? That simple acceptance can be incredibly liberating. It frees you from the constant pressure of perfection and allows you to celebrate your efforts, not just flawless outcomes. Learning to let go of the past is also crucial. The original post touches on #LeaveItThere, and it's a powerful concept. We often replay past mistakes, conversations, or perceived failures, letting them define our present. But those moments are lessons, not sentences. I found it helpful to visualize these past burdens as heavy bags I was carrying. With conscious effort, I started setting them down, one by one. This doesn't mean forgetting, but rather accepting that they happened and choosing to no longer let them dictate my self-worth today. It’s hard work, but the lightness you feel afterward is incredible. Finally, reclaim your voice. For me, this meant identifying those areas where I had silenced myself – my opinions, my needs, my boundaries. It started with small steps, like saying "no" to something I genuinely didn't want to do, or expressing a preference in a group setting. Yes, it might "piss people off" as the original author mentioned, but the feeling of authenticity, of being true to myself, far outweighs any discomfort from others. Remember, there truly isn't a single soul worth losing yourself for. Your voice, your needs, your desires – they all matter. Start by listening to them yourself, and then, little by little, let them be heard. This journey to self-pride isn't a destination; it's a continuous act of self-love and courage. And I truly believe you are capable of it.