Rise above a jaded self-image

How you perceive yourself has a tremendous impact on what you do with your life and whether you will evolve to fulfill your destiny.  Do you dream parts of you were different than you think they are? Would you like to be able to work toward greater self-acceptance?

How you perceive yourself is like a portrait.  Who do you envision when you peer into the mirror?  Do you imagine a particular livelihood with its associated uniform, accessories and mindset?  What you choose to see in yourself may not be an accurate depiction of your core self.  How often do you make assumptions about "what is best?"  All perceptions have influences.  Learn to distinguish yours.

Many people are unsure how to separate their identity from what they do for a living.  They evolve into a role and condition themselves to think like people do around them.  Perhaps this sounds like you?  Maybe you feel confident, 'in your element' (so to speak) or at ease in your life, with what you wear and what you do.  This would mean you know yourself well enough to be honest and make choices that make you feel good about yourself.  You happiness would glow. 

In the case you feel unhappy, insecure, unworthy, unattractive, inferior or negative in other ways, your life choices will likely reflect your inner thoughts.   You might hear yourself say, "I'm not good enough" or "I'm ugly" or "they will never choose me."  If you reinforce thoughts that you will never accomplish anything meaningful, and this is what you choose to believe, then you may have poor self-esteem and you're unlikely to realize your potential.  Even if you don't feel like this, you may know people who would fit this profile.

Whatever your self-image, its worthwhile to realize that you are loved and appreciated.  You have skills that can benefit others.  Are you using them?  You may not realize that how you feel inside governs the choices you make, the relationships you nurture, and plans you work toward.  What other people say about you tends to affect how you feel about yourself.  Yet, whether or not you realize it, you also impose images on yourself. Consider the clothes and images which draw your attention.  Do they reflect your personality? 

Your abilities and accomplishments can be guided by examples, but what you do with your life, where you go and what you accomploish for whom, is ultimately your choice.  Each decision you make shapes your character.  Who you were yesterday doesn't have to be who you are tomorrow.  Even your shortcomings are part of you that can teach you something useful if you choose to learn.  personal growth is a choice.  As you reflect on your past, you have the power to gain valuable insight which can build your confidence and encourage continued learning.