self-worth — EMPOWERED TIMES BLOG

Inspiring Imperfection in a Season of Comparison

We may imagine summer as a season of ease and freedom—barefoot in the grass, sun on your skin, wind in your hair— but for many of us, it’s also a time that evokes contradiction and comparison. We peel away layers of clothing, only to scrutinize the bodies beneath. Beach holidays and pool parties entice us to be carefree and savor the moment, but we often find ourselves stuck in an old script—measuring our bodies against others, or against our own from summers past.

The goalposts of beauty are always shifting. We internalize the cultural messages and adapt to the fickle social trends. We strive to conform, yet long to feel seen. We pursue perfection, meanwhile we aspire to be authentic. Perfection pushes us into a binary and absolute way of existing: all or nothing, good or bad, right or wrong. Though rooted in the desire to be whole or complete, unrelenting perfectionism often disconnects us from our true selves.

Just as investing in external relationships creates safety and trust, investing in the relationship with ourselves deepens our connection to who we are—not how we look. When we embrace imperfection, we cultivate a more free and authentic relationship with ourselves. Here are 7 Ways to love the skin you’re in this summer.

Cultivating Security ~ Part 3: Strengthening Your Core from Within

Strengthening our abdominal muscles helps to reduce the risk of falls and injury. Fortifying our psychological core helps to to cultivate security from within. These exercises include: 1) identifying what makes you feel authentically safe, 2) exploring your internal landscape to better understand your experiences, and 3) establishing consistent practices to reinforce your sense of security. From a solid, strong center, we are able to move our body with greater agility and balance. Similarly, when we actively practice engaging our internal psychological strength, we have better capacity to respond with flexibility and confidence. To do this we must take personal responsibility. We don’t get six-pack abs by watching someone else do crunches!

An Abundance Mindset: 4 Ways to Shift Out of Scarcity Thinking

Scarcity is synonymous with inadequacy, deficiency, lack or dearth. Many of us experience scarcity when we operate from a place of not-enoughness. Concepts that characterize this not-enoughness (e.g. scarcity mindset, inferiority complex, imposter syndrome, etc.) have become common vernacular. Scarcity mindset implies a tightening, grasping, fearful and defensive stance. Just as we can get caught in a cycle of threat, shutting down, immobilization and fear, we can also embark on a self-perpetuating journey of choice, openness, flow and enoughness. Approaching our circumstances, decisions, and relationships from a mindset of abundance rather than scarcity, allows us to relax, open-up, and trust that whatever is, is enough.

The Internal Tug-of-War

Have you ever promised yourself something, yet done the complete opposite? We typically have a rational understanding of what we want or what is “good” or “bad” for us, yet simultaneously we may feel pulled to act in ways that contradict our reasoning. When we experience internal conflict, it can be helpful to understand what is driving the disconnect. Are we acting in alignment with our true values or are we measuring ourselves by someone else’s standard or expectations? Do we feel free to make our own choices or are we overcompensating by asserting control in unhealthy or counterproductive ways? Does our innate need for safety and familiarity prevent us from taking the necessary risks toward positive change? Life is full of contrasts. We are able to mediate our internal conflicts through enhancing awareness and understanding of our inner contradictions.

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