I love this reading from therapist Tian Dayton. So often we have an out of proportion opinion about ourselves and for those of us growing up with an undervalued self, or being empathic or sensitive in a world that does not honor or celebrate that we can try to change or mistakenly think there is something wrong with us, instead of understanding and nurturing our gifts or talents. We may also feel anxiety for being our true self.. On the other hand overestimating ourselves and not recognizing our limitations may also lead to problems.
I am also ending out this post with a video talk between Lee Harris and Anita Moojhani on being sensitive in a harder world.
My natural size
Today I accept myself and my gifts and talents. I have kept myself in a sort of fog about my assets to avoid feeling guilty, competitive or overly responsible for them. Though I have craved attention and validation, when I actually receive them, what comes up for me maybe shame and anxiety.. I worry that if I stand out too much in any direction, good or bad, I will become an easy target. I realize now I can feel these feelings, move through them, and let them go. I need not stay locked up in fear. When I am willing to accept both my strengths and my limitations, I feel better about my life – I create a safe space for myself.
I accept my natural size
It is very necessary that a man should be appraised early in his life that it is a masquerade in which he finds himself. For otherwise there will be many things that he fails to understand.
Arthur Schopenhauer
Emerging From The Dark Night 