The Courage to Value Yourself: Breaking Free from Living to Please Others

Hello!
I'm Rie, a psychological counselor.🌸

Do you ever feel like you're always accommodating others and putting yourself last?

When you try so hard to meet others' expectations, you can sometimes forget your own feelings.
Before you know it, you might lose track of what you really want or what you actually like...
You lose your sense of self.
I have experienced this too.

Anticipating what others might think or want and acting accordingly is often seen as being a "kind person" at first glance.
But eventually, a moment comes when you suddenly wonder, "Aren't I always the one making sacrifices?"
Even then, you swallow those feelings, thinking, "Things will go smoothly if I just endure it," or "I don't want to make the other person uncomfortable..."
That's why you feel exhausted when you're with people and only feel relieved when you're alone.

But you know, sacrificing yourself is never a "good thing."
In fact, if you continue to neglect yourself, your heart will become increasingly exhausted.
By disregarding yourself, you might even lose sight of who you are.
There is your true self, and the self you created by trying to please others.
Because of that, you feel stifled and start to dislike yourself.

That is why I want you to have just a little bit ofthe courage to value yourself. Start with a very small step.
Things like "choosing what I like today" or
"saying no to someone just a little bit"
are perfectly fine.

Saying "value yourself" might sound a bit self-centered.
But in reality, it's not like that at all.
Being honest with your feelings is necessary for improving your relationships with others, and above all, for protecting your own heart.

If you start to be more attentive to your own heart, you will surely see changes little by little.
By cherishing your own feelings, your daily life might start to feel a little lighter.

So, today, try prioritizing "how you feel"—even if it's just for one small thing. Before you accommodate someone else, ask yourself first.
"What do I want to do?"
It might feel unfamiliar, but that is the first step toward valuing yourself.

That small step will surely lighten your heart little by little.
Let's start living a life where you "value yourself," starting today!