What does it mean to be a woman? To me, being a woman goes beyond societal norms and stereotypes. It’s about embracing our authenticity, navigating the complexities of life, and recognizing the power within myself. Womanhood is a journey of self-discovery, self-love, and resilience.

In a world where societal expectations and external judgments can be overwhelming, I’d admit that women often find themselves grappling with societal pressures that dictate norms around physical appearance, career choices, and life decisions. Oftentimes women are confused with their life decision for the fear of criticism, scrutiny, or not meeting societal standards, which leads to a heightened sense of pressure, influencing choices that may not align with personal values. This problem is pretty common among women, therefore it is important for us to know our values and self-worth.

My personal journey has deepened my understanding of self-worth and self-awareness, especially in a society that tends to judge individuals based on societal norms. As a woman who has a somewhat unconventional career; a medical doctor specializing in plant-based medication, adds an extra layer of complexity to my journey. I still face judgements here and there just because I am being authentic and true to myself.

Just recently I experienced a judgment by someone who identified as a scientist. He struggled to accept the legitimacy of my profession. He was very adamant that my career choice is all recreational, despite the growing acceptance of this alternative medicine. His straight up rejection and reaction brought me back to reality, that there are those who remain closed-minded. These kinds of people would not accept us as a different individual, rather a judgment for being “different”. However, it was a good reminder to the importance of self-awareness.

Recognizing my self-worth prevented me from succumbing to self-blame and self-hatred in the face of judgment. Without this awareness, the criticism from a stranger could have led to depression, or even worse. It is crucial to stand strong, confident in the knowledge that our soul, character, and uniqueness are the true essence of our identity. It’s also important to recognize that societal pressures are external forces that should not dictate personal decisions. Our lives are our responsibilities.

You may wonder, how do we find our self-worth? Here are few tips that I can share with you;

1. Practice mindfulness. Research has shown that women have more tendency to ruminate than men. Mindfulness disrupts the pattern of rumination by telling our mind to observe thoughts without getting dragged by it. Whether through meditation, deep breathing, or simply being present in the moment, mindfulness fosters self-awareness.
2. Embrace imperfections. Acknowledge that nobody is perfect. Embrace the fact that imperfection is a part of you that makes you unique. It’s okay to make mistakes; they contribute to your growth.
3. Celebrate achievements. No matter how small it is, celebrate each one of your accomplishments. By celebrating your success, you are recognizing your efforts. This positive reinforcement contributes to a sense of self-worth.
4. Practice Self-Reflection and Self-Love. Self-love encourages us to view ourselves in a positive light, appreciating strengths, accomplishments, and unique qualities. A strong sense of self-love acts as a shield against the impact of external criticism or judgment. Loving oneself involves recognizing and fulfilling personal needs. We should also ask ourselves questions about goals, desires, and emotions. This introspection fosters a deeper understanding of who you are.
5. Learn to forgive and let go. Research suggests that having resentment can contribute to chronic stress, which, in turn, may lead to various health problems and mental health issues. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting the pain it caused. Rather, it means acknowledging the pain, and choosing to let go of anger and resentment that is resulted by it.

There are many different ways to know your self-worth, but it all starts from within. Start with yourself and trust your intuition as a woman. The practice of self-love would bring a transformative journey that nurtures a deep connection with yourself, which would elevate your self-worth to a new level.

Once you’ve acknowledged and embraced your self-worth, it’s truly liberating! It enables us to overcome judgements, break free from societal norms, and live authentically. I would not say that the journey is easy, but it’s worth every second! It is through these challenges that we find the most of ourselves. It takes practice, but you will slowly get a hold of yourself.

Don’t ever give up on yourself. You deserve all the good things in life ❤️