Self-Image!
When you look in the mirror, what image do you perceive?
We all have different ways of looking at ourselves. While some people see themselves as confident and capable, others see themselves as less-confident and unsure of their capabilities. Whatever viewpoint you have of yourself is called your self-image.
The Oxford dictionary defines self-image as the idea one has of one’s abilities, appearance, and personality.
According to lifehack, our self-image is the personal viewpoint we adopt towards ourselves which describes characteristics such as intelligence, attractiveness, talents, kindness, and many other traits.
I love how my.clevelandclinic.org puts it “self-image is an ‘internal dictionary’ that describes the characteristics of the self that represent our assets(strengths), and liabilities(weaknesses).”
Your self-image is a product of learning. It carries early childhood experiences, what parents say/do, what you hear and see from your environment, how you grew up, and all the things that influence your perception of self.
Self-image works very closely with self-esteem. While your self-image has to do with your perception of self, self-esteem is how you feel about yourself. You cannot have a positive self-image when you don’t feel positive about yourself. That is why self-image is important because how we see ourselves affects how we feel and how we interact with the world.
Many of us have a very negative and unreal image of ourselves. While most adults learn to accept and deal with their perceptions, teenagers suffer the most. Many adolescents find it hard to handle the emotional, physical and mental trauma they go through because of how they see themselves.
The reality about growing up is that we all get to develop a perception of ourselves at some point. The problem always lies in the type of image we believe about ourselves.
People around us always have things to say based on what they see but what we believe to be true is always what stays. At the end of the day, it is not about how others make us feel but more about what we accept as truth.
You will never love or appreciate yourself if your self-image is dependent on what others say, think, or make you see. Just know that others will always have an opinion but what matters is the opinion you have of yourself.
Remember that how you live or approach life is directly proportionate to how you perceive it. The same goes for the image you have of yourself. If while growing up, you were made to believe that you are ugly, or you have a bad shape of the head, or you are not good enough, you need to start detoxing of all those lies, or else they become your reality.
Note that each and every one of us is born unique with different abilities. No one is born better off. Others just have a good image of themselves. You too can develop your abilities but first build a positive self-image.
Start by acknowledging your uniqueness. Spend your time on the things that boost your abilities.
Write down at least 10 positive things about you.
Say them out loud often.
Believe them to be true and Act it.
Know that people will always be mean but what will keep your confidence on a high is your own perception.
No matter what image people try to impose on you, be the one to give the world what to remember of you. God created you with a unique image. And all that truly matters is how He sees you.
Always appreciate you, while you work on a daily to become your truest self.
