The Phase Inc

  Self-esteem is the way individuals think and feel about themselves and their internal sense of being worthy of love and belonging. The sense of one's own value as a person, or self-worth is reflected in the way people view themselves. For individuals with higher self-esteem, self-worth creates the foundation for feelings of worthiness. Low self-esteem can be an indication that an individual has not fully recognized their self-worth, while self-esteem that fluctuates drastically can be a sign that the individual is basing their self-worth exclusively on external factors. Neither of the above examples are unusual or pathological, instead both are normal.  Development as well as what a society values and deems normal can all influence what factors become viewed as significant in establishing one’s self-referenced value. Our earliest years prime us to look externally; with milestones being supported through validation and praise. Many learn to feel ...

  “Forgiveness is giving up hope that the past can be any different.” — Gerald G. Jampolsky           Have you struggled with forgiving someone from your past? Whether it’s a friend, a family member, or a past partner. It can feel like forgiving them will never be easy.            According to Rubin Khoddam Ph.D., “Forgiveness is choosing to accept what happened as it happened rather than what could or should have happened. Forgiveness can mean that you let go. Forgiveness can mean you love from a distance. Forgiveness can mean you step into your present rather than anchoring in the past.”           The goal of forgiveness is not allowing betrayal or hurt to affect how you presently live your life. Forgiveness is also not condoning the act but accepting that it happened. It is important to learn to step outside of the past and be present in the moment because holding grudges can feel like...