I Am Enough: Journey to Authenticity

Our fast paced world can demand from our relationships and work can create feelings of inadequacy. How do we make the journey from fear of lack to saying “I am enough”?

First, know that you are not alone in feeling that there is just not enough time, money, energy or solutions to meet the demands of everyday life. Even when we get up early and take steps to simplify our lives and work diligently, we are often left feeling overwhelmed and frustrated with so much left undone by the end of the day.

Here are 10 suggestions that can help us say, “I am enough.”

1. Identify your emotions and unmet needs connected to message that you ‘are not good enough’ or that you have ‘not done enough’.
2. Clarify your thoughts by ask who is setting the standard for how much should be accomplished and make necessary adjustment if you find yourself being unrealistic.
3. Identify and accept any shame that may be promoting feelings of inadequacy, knowing that we are worthy of compassion and rest without guilt.
4. Consider lowering your standards during seasons of stressful events.
5. Set boundaries for yourself by asking how much is necessary or what is the sufficient amount of giving to meet the needs.
6. Let your self-talk be as filled with love just as you would give to your closest friend.
7. Edit your daily ‘to do list’ when you know the demands outstrip what is humanly possible.
8. Ask for help and communicate your need without resentment, when life’s demand outstrips your skills or time demands.
9. Celebrate small victories, skills learned and achievements on a daily basis.
10. Embrace uncertainty and unexpected interruptions by saying “I am enough”!

Brene Brown says, “When we can let go of what people think and own our story, we gain acceptance to our worthiness the feeling that we are ENOUGH just as we are and that we are worth of love and belonging.”

If you live in the Wake County, NC area, click here to learn more about a workshop on Shame Resilience called Journey to Authenticity.

• Further information: http://brenebrown.com

Author: Beth Holloway, MA, LPC for Miller Counseling Services, PC

Beth Holloway, MA, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor and has more than 12 years’ experience in the mental health field. She has recently joined the Miller Counseling Services team and specializes in counseling individuals and couples who have experienced all types of losses including abuse, domestic strife, and trauma. She enjoys leading group therapy classes in the areas of Divorce Recovery, Spiritual Enrichment, Couples and Parent/Child Relationships, Grief Processing and Depression Recovery. Beth has had the privilege of traveling all over the United States and to more than 10 foreign countries and has been enriched by learning about people from diverse cultures and ethnic groups.