Do we come in to the world with our sense of self? Or is it something that develops over time? The nature or nurture argument is an old one, and it comes to mind every time I see (or post) an affirmation. And God knows, I see enough of them. Everywhere.
If you spend any time at all on social media or the internet, it’s easy to conclude that everyone’s super-insecure with low self-esteem and that there’s a great need for confidence-building, especially among women. People seem to vibrate and resonate with affirmations as if their lives depend on it. And maybe they do. Yes, there are so many wounded people in our world.
Affirmations are great reminders, but I do think it’s heartbreaking that people require affirmations like the one above. It’s hard for me to imagine needing an outside source to affirm one’s intelligence and self-awareness. And yet I know that many do need that reinforcement. Badly. And affirmations serve that purpose. So–whatever works.
The dark self-view reflected in this affirmation makes me want to cry.
We don’t make right choices every time–in fact, some of my worst choices were my best teachers. Hmm. Maybe those WERE Right Choices. Oh, some affirmations are so confusing!
There’s no question that I came into the world with a strong sense of self, or at least a seedling of it. It wasn’t exactly a gift from my parents, who were inconsistent in the manner in which they affirmed us. Although maybe it WAS a gift, because bucking up against their authoritarian style certainly helped me define myself. And of course, they thought I was the smartest thing since sliced bread. If sliced bread had brains. If that’s the way you’re treated, it seems logical you’ll grow up believing it. In that same way, if you’re treated like you’re stupid, well, that’s what you believe. At least until you’re old enough to get professional help. Which I swear by.
But back to sense of self. Yes, I’m wandering around but it’ll come together.
The other day I talked with someone who had run into a family friend laid off from a high tech company. He was now employed at a convenience store. Both parties were embarrassed–he at being seen so underemployed and my friend at seeing him.
Those wouldn’t have been my reactions. Here’s why: Decades ago I moved to California without a job. I was underemployed as a temp secretary for two years, but felt no embarrassment at all. One gift my parents DID give me was the idea that all work is worthwhile, and that making a living however you did it was the important thing. So if I’d run into that guy, I wouldn’t have been embarrassed, I would’ve high-fived him for taking care of himself and his family.
But that view requires some serious self-definition and the knowledge that we are not defined by the work we do. Nor are we defined by—and this is a big one for women– how we look.
I can’t say I’ll never have any cosmetic procedures–I just had an age spot burned off my hand because I didn’t like looking at it — but I can say I won’t have big procedures. Women who are over-botoxed, lifted, peeled and lipo-suctioned lose their individuality. They all look like some generic version of “female.” It ain’t flattering and it sure ain’t beautiful.
No wonder we need affirmations!
The fashion industry–and diet, cosmetic surgery & so many other industries– prosper on women’s insecurities with their message that beautiful women are size 0 and those who aren’t teensy are fat and certainly not beautiful. Many women believe it, too, and one result is eating disorders.
I never bought that.
There are times when I’m thin and times when I’m thick but I’m always me and I always know who I am. And, here’s the kicker: there are always quality men and lovers in my life, regardless of my age or weight. A girlfriend and I were talking about this recently and she observed, “you know, you put out the vibe that this is who you are–a sensual being–and that comes across to men.” Yes, and they like it. You’re beautiful if you believe you’re beautiful. It takes no affirmation to confirm a belief you already hold.
So here’s what I want to tell women: you are not your wrinkles, your cellulite, your job or your weight.
You’re not the way someone else has treated you.
You’re so gangsta.
And you don’t need a bunch of affirmations to make that so.
This post made me think. I have a lot of affirmations surrounding me, I like to see them on the walls of my home, I get daily OM aspirations in my email box each day. This made me wonder why I feel the need to surround myself with positive affirmations, but then I realized that for me, it’s because I love WORDS. I love the way words can capture a moment, a thought and yes, something I want to aspire to or remind myself of all day. As I’ve gotten older, I became more and more self confident as I let the words that others say influence me less and less. Thanks for the reminder. Lovely post with some very thought provoking ideas.
Isn’t great to have that self-definition that allows others’ judgments roll right off? I’m intrigued by what you said about liking words and as a result, am going to look at affirmations in a new way. Thanks for that! & for stopping by.
It is sad that we all don’t feel that way…but after being raised by someone who was constantly telling me bad things about myself and beating us down, it can often be a battle for many. I am so glad I turned around at age 50…yes, that took a LONG time, but at least it happened. That is why I try to spread this message to women on my blog and to younger women…even the teens I teach…CONFIDENCE IS ATTRACTIVE!! If we are inspired by affirmations in order to remember we are all beautiful, unique, talented, and strong…then bring them on! This is a great discussion to have and I am glad to see others raise it! Thanks, Carol!
Where does it come from? This sense of self-worth. From parents who, themselves, were confident and adjusted? From seeing a day’s work, any work, well done? From surrounding yourself with friends who are affirming and encouraging? I loved this post! Definitely a feast of thought!
The theme of my writing last week was “letting go of the past”. My subject was a person who has let the anger over his past all but ruin his present, and place his future at risk. I know what provoked me was a Facebook meme that admonished/encouraged us to “let go of the past before it poisons the future”. What I find maddening about these messages is that they are ideals to which many aspire but can’t reach because they simply don’t know how. And what insult is added to injury to know you’re failing further by not knowing the “how” to get to the “what” of better living. That said, I feel tenderly toward those who post them, knowing that in some cases, as much as they would like others to believe their message, they would like to believe themselves.
Yes and I think for me, I give credit to the struggle, because there are things I struggle with, too.But I just haven’t found affirmations to be much help.
I don’t like affirmations because they seem like pills to me. You know, “here take this and everything will be OK.” If everything is not ok (and it usually isn’t) an affirmation does not help. But, that’s me. For anyone who uses them to their benefit, I think it’s wonderful for them that it helps.
Your parents and you have made an important point: all work has dignity. We need to get over the idea that everyone needs to go to college and become a lawyer or stock broker. The trades are equally valuable and equally worthy of respect.
Here you’ll find my blog, some of my essays, published writing, and my solo performances. There’s also a link to my Etsy shop for healing and grief tools offered through A Healing Spirit.
I love comments, so if something resonates with you in any way, don’t hesitate to leave a comment on my blog. Thank you for stopping by–oh, and why not subscribe so you don’t miss a single post?
This post made me think. I have a lot of affirmations surrounding me, I like to see them on the walls of my home, I get daily OM aspirations in my email box each day. This made me wonder why I feel the need to surround myself with positive affirmations, but then I realized that for me, it’s because I love WORDS. I love the way words can capture a moment, a thought and yes, something I want to aspire to or remind myself of all day. As I’ve gotten older, I became more and more self confident as I let the words that others say influence me less and less. Thanks for the reminder. Lovely post with some very thought provoking ideas.
Isn’t great to have that self-definition that allows others’ judgments roll right off? I’m intrigued by what you said about liking words and as a result, am going to look at affirmations in a new way. Thanks for that! & for stopping by.
It is sad that we all don’t feel that way…but after being raised by someone who was constantly telling me bad things about myself and beating us down, it can often be a battle for many. I am so glad I turned around at age 50…yes, that took a LONG time, but at least it happened. That is why I try to spread this message to women on my blog and to younger women…even the teens I teach…CONFIDENCE IS ATTRACTIVE!! If we are inspired by affirmations in order to remember we are all beautiful, unique, talented, and strong…then bring them on! This is a great discussion to have and I am glad to see others raise it! Thanks, Carol!
I soo agree about confidence being attractive!! That IS a good message.
Where does it come from? This sense of self-worth. From parents who, themselves, were confident and adjusted? From seeing a day’s work, any work, well done? From surrounding yourself with friends who are affirming and encouraging? I loved this post! Definitely a feast of thought!
The theme of my writing last week was “letting go of the past”. My subject was a person who has let the anger over his past all but ruin his present, and place his future at risk. I know what provoked me was a Facebook meme that admonished/encouraged us to “let go of the past before it poisons the future”. What I find maddening about these messages is that they are ideals to which many aspire but can’t reach because they simply don’t know how. And what insult is added to injury to know you’re failing further by not knowing the “how” to get to the “what” of better living. That said, I feel tenderly toward those who post them, knowing that in some cases, as much as they would like others to believe their message, they would like to believe themselves.
Yes and I think for me, I give credit to the struggle, because there are things I struggle with, too.But I just haven’t found affirmations to be much help.
Another fabulous post…Perfectly said Carol!
Aww. Nancy, thank you!
I don’t like affirmations because they seem like pills to me. You know, “here take this and everything will be OK.” If everything is not ok (and it usually isn’t) an affirmation does not help. But, that’s me. For anyone who uses them to their benefit, I think it’s wonderful for them that it helps.
I wonder if it does benefit people.
Your parents and you have made an important point: all work has dignity. We need to get over the idea that everyone needs to go to college and become a lawyer or stock broker. The trades are equally valuable and equally worthy of respect.
Absolutely