She Strengthens

Breaking Free from Self-Sabotaging Habits

As I reflect on my journey towards self-acceptance, I realize that it’s been a long and winding road. In my mid-twenties, I had a very specific vision of success – a high-paying job, a stylish wardrobe, and a planner filled with important dates. But as I approached my thirtieth birthday, I realized that this vision was not only unattainable but also self-sabotaging.

The Wake-Up Call

It took a series of unfulfilling jobs and a pandemic to make me realize that my way of thinking was holding me back. I was stuck in a cycle of self-doubt, overwork, and unhealthy habits. But as I approached the one-year anniversary of my life blowing up in my face, I decided to take a step back and re-evaluate my priorities.

Celebrating Self-Love and Appreciation

I’ve come to realize that celebrating and appreciating myself is key to creating a sturdier emotional foundation. By focusing on self-love and self-care, I’ve been able to break free from the habits that were holding me back. Here are some of the ways I sabotaged my happiness, well-being, and sanity – and how I’ve been able to curb these habits for healthier ones.

Doubting Myself

I have a tendency to doubt my skills and achievements, no matter how great my results are. But I’ve been working on relying less on others to reassure me and more on myself and my convictions. It’s not easy, but I’m slowly breaking through to myself.

Withholding Breaks

I used to think that I didn’t deserve breaks, but I’ve learned to prioritize self-care. I’ve cut back on my side gigs and set boundaries for myself, allowing me to take time off and recharge.

Comparing Myself to Others

Social media can be toxic, and I used to compare myself to others, feeling worse about myself in the process. But I’ve cut back on social media and learned to focus on my own journey, rather than comparing myself to others.

Working Through Lunch

I used to work through lunch, convincing myself that I needed to be productive. But I’ve learned to take breaks and prioritize my mental health. Taking a 30-minute lunch break has become a routine I allow myself to have, and it’s made me more productive in the long run.

Saying Yes to Everything

I used to take on too much, saying yes to every project that came my way. But I’ve learned to prioritize my own needs and set boundaries. It’s okay to say no, and it’s okay to prioritize my own well-being.

Vaping

I used to vape as a way to cope with stress, but I’ve realized that it’s not a healthy habit. I’ve quit vaping and learned to deal with my emotions in healthier ways.

Buying Clothes as Motivation

I used to buy clothes as a way to motivate myself to lose weight, but I’ve realized that it’s a terrible kind of pressure to put on myself. Now, I only buy clothes that make me happy and fit my budget.

Not Trusting My Gut Instincts

I used to rely on others to affirm my decisions, but I’ve learned to trust my own gut instincts. It’s not easy, but I’m working on making more confident decisions without seeking validation from others.

Overpaying for Items

I used to pay too much for items out of convenience, but I’ve learned to pause and do my research. I ask myself questions like “do I need this?” and “why am I buying this?” before making a purchase.

Letting Social Media Ads Get to Me

I used to fall prey to social media ads, feeling like I needed more things. But I’ve learned to be more impervious to ads by repeating to myself, “I do not need this.” If I do find something I want, I’ll take a screen grab and wait a week before making a purchase.

Thinking I’m Not Where I’m Supposed to Be

I used to think that I was supposed to be somewhere else in my life, but I’ve learned to adapt to changing circumstances. I’ve let go of rigid expectations and focused on making the best of where I am now.

By breaking free from these self-sabotaging habits, I’ve been able to create a more positive and loving relationship with myself. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.