We all have conditioned minds and therefore, an idea of how things should be: what is right vs. wrong, beautiful vs. ugly, successful vs. unsuccessful. Everything we say, do, or come into contact with goes through this filter. Our minds act like a voice coach: reassuring us that we are fitting in or sounding the alarm that we aren't good enough. In order to grow, we must come to terms with the fact that all of these things might be A. untrue B. holding you back or C. making you depressed (not meeting your own expectations for the world). We have got to quit the mindset that if we were just a little different, smarter, taller, thinner, richer- our lives would be better. Because, "Says who?"
Creating a new conditioned mind that knows that you are enough is quite transformational. To practice this, I have been writing down my ideas of success and status and just overall well-being as they occur to me; some of which are spot on while others express shame and guilt. I then go through the list and really sit down with each item to ask myself if it's actually important to me and my soul or just something I've been hearing or reading all of my life. Here's an example:
Thought: I'm browsing through Instagram and find an amazingly creative individual that is becoming wildly popular and who is an outdoor photographer (something I enjoy doing, but not something I take seriously whatsoever). Wow! I should be outside more and taking more pictures. If I had better photos, people would like me more. I'm not that creative- why bother.
Sitting down with that thought: Really, Taylor? Social media should not be a platform for comparison, but rather inspiration. Also, is an aesthetic profile a sign of an honest, hard-working, and positive individual? Because that's what is really important to you. Lift others up!
What a cheesy, surface-level example, right? But seriously, self-love doesn't always come easy. We all know that and I believe it's time to think critically about our critiques.
"Compassionate self-discipline is simply allowing the intelligence and generosity that is your authentic nature to guide you in every moment."