Are You Enough? 

Many of us have this feeling inside us. We may feel lucky and grateful to have the things we have, yet there is this nagging feeling that makes you think, “ I should have more money. I should have a bigger house. I should have more friends. I should have a better job.” These thoughts can plague us daily and they are dangerous. They can mess with our head and lead to negative emotions, which can have a bad impact on your mental health.  

We are not born feeling like we are not enough. The things and emotions that we experience create that feeling. It can begin from a young age (when our brains are not fully developed), where our minds tell us that if something goes wrong within us, it is our fault. These beliefs and ways of thinking make us feel inadequate and we carry them as we grow up.  

So how do we change this voice in our head? One way that you can is to look at these beliefs as seperate parts of you. Try to think of when exactly you started feeling like you were not good enough and, although it may sound a bit silly, pretend that version of you is sitting in front of you. Think positively and practice self-compassion in order to heal those old wounds. Experience and train yourself to feel the sensations of pride, love, gratitude, and joy. 

What else can we do to help these parts heal and feel like we are enough?  

• Remember that these feelings were learned. They are not facts, even if they feel true.  

• Connect to the parts of you that feel bad and be compassionate. 
• Practice deep belly breathing five or six times in a row to calm your nervous system. 
• Exercise. Get adrenaline flowing and feel empowerment.  
• Do not make comparisons to others, as it will only fuel these negative feelings. You are unique and on your own path.  

You are enough. That does not mean there is no room for self improvement. It just means you are good enough for this life and you have the potential to be whoever you want to be. Remember to become aware of what you are feeling and try to identify where it is coming from. Listen to who you are. Be kind to yourself and “not enough” will become enough.. 

Written by: Alessandra Merino 

Jacobs Hendel, H. (2018, June 18). Why Do We Have The Feeling That We Are Not Enough? Retrieved from https://nami.org/Blogs/NAMI-Blog/June-2018/Why-Do-We-Have-the-Feeling-that-We-Are-Not-Enough