# Learn to Love Yourself: Overcoming Feelings of Being Taken for Granted
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Chapter 1: The Importance of Self-Love
Do you truly love yourself? There was a moment in my life when I felt utterly defeated and struggled with self-acceptance. I found myself in an unhealthy marriage, feeling as though I was failing my three sons. Just as I was nearing the completion of my nursing degree, my husband pressured me to leave school and work at the small restaurant he owned due to a staffing shortage.
As a young person, I often sensed that I was undervalued, and it’s a feeling no one should have to endure. It was an unexpected relief when my mother flew in to help at the restaurant for a couple of weeks until a new hire could be found. That experience brought us significantly closer together.
Finishing my education was essential; I knew I needed to support my boys, so I consulted with an attorney about divorce.
If you're feeling overlooked or inadequate in any aspect of your life, there are steps you can take to boost your self-esteem and confidence.
There are numerous strategies to enhance your self-worth and cultivate a more positive self-image.
Section 1.1: Prioritizing Your Well-being
First and foremost, taking care of your health is crucial. Along with maintaining a balanced diet and exercising, consider activities that bring you joy, such as meditation, walking in nature, or treating yourself to a massage.
It’s easy to become so engrossed in caring for family, work obligations, or friendships that we neglect our own well-being and forget to indulge in self-care.
Subsection 1.1.1: Setting Healthy Boundaries
It's essential to establish personal boundaries. Decide what you are willing to do for others and learn to say no when necessary. If something is bothering you, express your feelings calmly without resorting to accusations or confrontations.
Allow others to take responsibility for their actions; you don’t always need to be the one providing solutions to their problems.
Life requires balance: be compassionate, but don’t allow yourself to be taken advantage of. Trust others, but remain vigilant against deception. Strive for contentment while continuously working on self-improvement.
Section 1.2: Finding Supportive Relationships
Connecting with like-minded individuals can elevate your mood and foster happiness. A good friend can provide a listening ear and constructive feedback, contributing to a sense of belonging.
Avoid toxic individuals who drain your energy and negatively impact your mental health. Release any guilt imposed upon you by such individuals, and strive for self-sufficiency.
Engaging in self-help activities boosts self-esteem. However, if you feel that professional counseling might benefit you, don’t hesitate to seek it out. A healthy support group can be invaluable; I found solace in Alanon while living with an alcoholic.
While my mother would often say, “Poor Baby,” the honest feedback I needed came from those outside my emotional circle.
Chapter 2: Explore New Interests
Video Description: Discover why people may take you for granted and learn effective strategies to break the cycle of undervaluation in relationships.
Video Description: Understand the reasons behind why some men might take you for granted and how to address this issue.
Pursuing a hobby or acquiring a new skill can provide immense satisfaction. Whether it’s writing, music, yoga, or painting, engaging in activities that resonate with you can significantly alleviate stress and enhance your self-confidence.
Final Thoughts
If you’re feeling overwhelmed or undervalued, it’s time to focus on self-care. Establish boundaries and learn to say no. I eventually divorced and earned my Bachelor’s degree in nursing, which drastically improved my self-perception and happiness.
You cannot find true happiness without standing up for yourself and setting boundaries. Allocate time for activities that bring you joy, and remember to pamper yourself!
Trisha Faye is a joyful writer on Medium, where she is rapidly growing her publication, Good Vibes Club, dedicated to spreading positivity and joy.