The world often tells us who we should be and what we should want.
Defining a sense of self.
Your sense of self is essentially your self-image.
“Having a sense of self is vital to our mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual health.
It becomes our internal compass for every interaction with others,” she says.
It easily centers what’s authentically best for you, helping younavigate various complex situations.
“That’s not to say that our sense of self does not come from external input.
Some of it does.
But for the most part, our sense of self comes from our definition and view of ourselves.
Only you might define who you are.”
There’s not a lot of indecision or inherent second-guessing.
They can manage their emotions without acting them out on other people."
You have high regard for yourself.
you could admit you have flaws (we are all human after all!
That quality is a strong marker of high self-esteem.
You are your own best advocate.
“Having a strong sense of self matters every day and in every situation.
You feel good about your development as a person.
You are receptive to the ebbs and flows of life.
Change can be terrifying, but it’s a given.
You have a strong faith in your ability to handle adversity and uncertainties.
“You’re open to change.
A person with a strong sense of self will adapt to their environment.
You are emotionally intelligent and know how to tune into what’s happening internally.
You’re connected to yourself and can apply healthy and appropriate reactions to anything that pops up.
“How does your race, class, gender affect you?
Are you an only child, or do you have siblings?
Are you a student or professional?
Look into your lineage.
Fregoso recommends looking into your family history to gain insight into your story from an intergenerational perspective.
“Do you know who your ancestors are beyond your great-grandparents?
What is their story?”
Write out your beliefs about yourself, others, and the world.
“Examine where they come from.
Do they come from you, family, or society?
It helps articulate language around who you are, adding to increased self-awareness and a more unyielding self-image.
This all helps you learn how you could interact with the world in a beneficial manner.
Learn how to set healthy boundaries.
“Practice assertive communication skills,” Dominguez advises.
The bottom line.
Be gentle with yourself like you would be to a close friend or family member,” says Dominguez.
