Do you struggle with guilt or shame?
“You’ve always been enough, even when you didn’t feel it.”
– Oprah Winfrey
Many of us feel we’re not good enough due to emotional neglect as kids. Without proper love, the soul starves causing lifelong problems. But there is hope!
What is emotional neglect?
It means caregivers didn’t meet emotional needs for affection, attention or feeling valued. This leaves deep scars making us feel worthless as adults. I struggled with this too.
How it impacts you
We adopt codependent or insecure behaviors trying to please caregivers with their own pain. As Brené Brown said, “Our willingness to stay small in our lives keeps our hearts small.” This ‘baggage’ still affects me daily like anxiety in relationships. I work hard counteracting these thought patterns.
Beating yourself up won’t help
If caregivers weren’t able to show love due to their issues, that’s not our fault. We need to embrace ourselves with compassion instead of shame. “The meaning of life is to find your gift,”
“The purpose of life is to give it away.” – Oprah
Easier said than done! I remind myself “this isn’t who I am, it’s just old programming.”
Loving your ‘inner child
This means befriending past pain, understanding why we think love requires being “good enough” versus our innate worth. Focus on nurturing your inner self like you wished to be nurtured as a kid. Daily self-care and reflection aids this process tremendously in my experience.
You don’t have to do it alone
Speak with loved ones who understand emotional neglect’s effects. Surround yourself with caring people as healing takes place. Counseling or support groups provide this safe space to work through struggles. You’ve survived hard times and better days are ahead – I believe in you!
It Helps Also : Why Do I Feel Like A Burden
