Happy September, everybody. I hope you helped somebody to smile today.
Today I want to address the topic of insecurity. I have come to realize that every human being in the world, despite their outward appearance, is battling with insecurity in some or several areas in their life. It is a common thread amongst all of us and yet something that we try desperately to hide from one another. We fear being judged as weak or vulnerable and try to project this illusion of confidence and having it all together. One of my favorite new songs is, “You Say” by Lauren Daigle because of the way the first line resonates with me. It says, “I keep fighting voices in my mind that say I’m not enough.” We all hear that ugly voice…the one that says we aren’t smart enough or successful enough or pretty enough or fill in the blank with the insecurity or insecurities of your choice. We weren’t born that way. Those fears and insecurities are the result of events, circumstances and encounters with certain people who have come across our path. Funny thing is, we might begin to feel insecure after meeting someone not because of something they may have said or done, but because we notice that they may be more gifted or successful at something than we are. I’d love to say that we could eradicate that voice from haunting us and the children we love, but I don’t think it’s possible. But what we could do is take away some of its power. How do we do that? Well, I believe it’s a multi-step process.
First, we need to teach children and consistently remind them that they are enough and are perfectly made just by virtue of being here. Everybody in this world is here for a purpose and the talents and gifts we have are what we need to help fulfill it. Our weaknesses have a purpose too. First and foremost, they teach us humility. But even more importantly, my strength is here to fill in the gaps for someone else’s weakness and vice versa. We aren’t designed to be just like somebody else, so comparing ourselves to other people is futile. We are here to help and serve each other.
Lastly, we need to let the children we love know that they are not alone in feeling this way. Let the kids know that everyone feels insecure about different things throughout their life. Try sharing some of the insecurities you felt either growing up or some you have dealt with as an adult (as long as it is age appropriate). Believe it or not, allowing kids to know that they are not alone in facing these feelings is empowering for them. By letting them know that you could get past them, it gives them the courage and the belief that they can get through theirs too.
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