Coming Home

A healthy sense of self is crucial for how we feel and function in life. Self-esteem, our basic sense of worth, is the foundation of self-respect and a feeling of intrinsic goodness. When we have good self-esteem, we trust and like ourselves, feeling confident and capable. However, low self-esteem can lead to self-doubt, social anxiety, isolation, suppressed anger, loneliness, and even shame. Our self-esteem develops early in life and can be negatively impacted by criticism or abuse, peer conflicts, stigma based on appearance or identity, and lack of positive reinforcement.

For centuries, women have been conditioned to focus on others - to please husbands, raise children, and adhere to societal expectations. From a young age, we learn to orient ourselves around others—first parents, then society, magazines, TV ads, and even religious teachings. We strive to fit in, often comparing our bodies and behaviors to external standards. When we don’t measure up, we may reject ourselves, feeling inadequate or unworthy.