Exploring Self-Image: How Do We Overcome Days When We Feel UGLY?
Understanding how childhood experiences shape our self-perception and the path to healing and self-acceptance.
Self-image is not a topic we talk about enough. It directly ties into mental health and can greatly affect someone when those feelings turn negative.
A Poor Self-Image
Poor self-image may be the result of accumulated criticisms a person absorbs as a child, which later damage their perception of themselves. Children, in particular, are vulnerable to accepting negative judgments from authority figures because they have not yet developed the ability to evaluate such comments critically. Adolescents are also highly susceptible to poor body-image issues. Individuals who already exhibit a low sense of self-worth may be more vulnerable to developing social disorders.
We live in a highly judgmental society and are constantly faced with criticism—whether in person or through a screen. Social media is littered with false narratives and unrealistic expectations, which can be especially damaging to someone already struggling with self-esteem.
Now, think of children and young adults. I often say, “Go back to your childhood,” and you will find many answers to your inner struggles. If negativity begins there, it often carries through the teen years and into adulthood.
For me personally, past trauma and abuse led me to a very dark place. As a teen, I would look in the mirror and cry. I saw an UGLY girl staring back at me—someone I believed was fat and beastly (mind you, I was 85 pounds at age 13). I struggled deeply and avoided eating because I saw a distorted image of myself.
Looking back now, I understand that I was staring at my trauma. That was what I was seeing. At the time, my brain could not register it that way. This shows us how powerful the mind truly is. A young child who is ridiculed, mocked, or subjected to severe abuse develops an altered mindset. Everything inside the brain shifts, and we begin to see a distorted image of ourselves.
How Do We Overcome Our UGLY Days?
I will say this firmly and confidently: go back to the beginning. Take the time to do the self-work that is necessary to uncover the answers you need and gain clarity. Once you begin to understand the reality of what has transpired in your life, your self-image will slowly begin to change. Over time, that “beastly” image fades as your true self replaces the clouded view.
Redirecting your mindset takes hard work and daily practice. You must be willing to give yourself the time and grace to work through the mental cobwebs. This is the kind of work that shapes you into the person you were always meant to be.
Your reflection in the mirror will change, and your self-esteem will rise. There may still be days when you feel ugly—but the difference is that you now have the tools to redirect those negative thoughts into positive ones.
What is your self-image telling you, and how will you nurture your inner child to gain a clearer picture of who you truly are?
We all have stresses and struggles, but having a positive mindset shifts everything.
Are you ready to take that journey toward self-awareness?
Food for thought.
Embrace the journey,
God Bless,
Lisa Zarcone – Author
Child & Mental Health Advocate | Public Speaker | Blogger | Social Media Influencer
Visit my website: www.lisazarcone.net
