Hello! Amanda Ashley, here, licensed professional counselor and lead therapist at Teletherapy-Solutions.com .
Racism and colorism are still very much alive and kicking in our modern world and as we fight to empower our race we can easily develop immense insecurities that can be difficult to face. This can hamper our quality of life and happiness. So, it’s crucial to learn how to overcome these insecurities and to face the world with courage and determination. Here are some ways we can empower ourselves internally to deal with the eternal struggles:
1. Respond Mindfully to Criticism
In the age of social media, it’s no secret that criticism is one of the most hurtful tools for our minds. Responding mindfully to criticism instead of reacting out of impulse, will help you stay in control.This enables you to hold power over the situation and not the other person. It gives you that critical gap of time where you can stop and think about what the criticism is really about. This makes you look at it objectively instead of letting it rattle you. Even if you disagree with the criticism, maintaining an attitude of resilience will help build confidence.
2. Correct Your Internal Dialogue
Our internal dialogue starts running the moment we wake up in the morning until we go to bed at night. Your insecurities can tilt this dialogue against your favor. You then start underestimating yourself in every situation you find yourself in. Ultimately this negative talk leads to anxiety and even though you have the ability to do a particular task, you may begin to doubt yourself. That’s why it’s essential to mindfully correct your internal dialogue as soon as it becomes negative. Speak positively and soothe yourself anytime you begin to think negative thoughts.
3. Stop Comparing
Comparison is the thief of happiness. There’s natural tendency of us humans to compare ourselves with other people and to feel that the grass is greener on the other side. When you do this to yourself, you constantly feel that you are below other people. You start underestimating yourself and overestimating those around you. This has bad implications for your mental well-being. So, the moment you feel like you’re beginning to compare yourself to others, divert your focus to other things or start thinking about your positive qualities instead.
4. Accept Yourself
To feel comfortable in your own skin and to have confidence in your abilities, you’ll need to accept yourself as you are now. When you’re fully comfortable with yourself, you will have even more confidence in speaking out and taking a stand against racial injustice. Even if you don’t feel like you’re where you need to be now, have hope in your heart that you will keep becoming better as a person over the course of time. Only when you truly accept and love yourself will you be able to face the world and participate in the movement without any hindering thoughts.
5. Master Your Skills and Learn Daily
When you feel that you have a variety of skills and knowledge, it makes you feel good about yourself. It instills confidence in you and you’re able to better express yourself in front of other people. This can especially be helpful in the workplace especially in environments where you might feel othered. When you showcase that you are skillful and ready to learn daily, new opportunities are bound to knock at your door, no matter how much others want to hold you back!
*for more information, read more of my blogs & to work with me directly, get started here.
