Sometimes, with everything going on around us, we can lose touch with our true selves. A concept borrowed from statisticians might help—differentiating “the signal” from “the noise.” “The signal” is your core truth, the essence of who you are. “The noise” includes all the distractions that divert attention from your essential qualities, whether internal or external. Understanding what really matters can be challenging, so here’s a gentle reminder of the seven things you might forget about yourself:
1. You’re capable of amazing kindness: Life can get in the way, making us act selfishly or defensively, focusing on survival over empathy. But when you pause to consider others, you might surprise everyone, including yourself, with your capacity for kindness. Embracing this part of you not only lifts others but also brings you joy.
2. You underestimate your ability to learn new skills: It’s easy to say “I can’t do that” rather than making an effort to learn something new. The key is to take small steps, and you’ll be amazed at how much you can actually learn!
3. You bring joy to those around you: You light up the room, make people smile, and warm their hearts. It’s easy to overlook how much you mean to the people around you, so take this as a reminder. And don’t forget to appreciate those who bring joy to your life, too.
4. You’re truly special: Not in a cliché way, but in a practical sense. There’s something you excel at that others might not, whether it’s effortlessly playing an instrument, whipping up meals from scant ingredients, or having a quirky skill. Recognizing and utilizing this ability can enrich your life, and it’s important not to let others diminish its value.
5. You are enough: It’s tempting to feel like you need more—more belongings, money, or status. But the truth is, you have everything you need within yourself. While human connection is vital, remember that you are more than you often give yourself credit for. Recognize your own worth and remember that you are more than enough.