HELLO TO A NEW "ME"...

Even though we are caught up in the hustle and concerns of life, we still make time for our loved ones, don’t we? Have you ever wondered why we don’t feel at ease when doing the same for ourselves? In fact, we should be able to do this for ourselves with complete peace of mind.

Amidst all this chaos, we lose ourselves, trying to keep up with the system without truly knowing who we are. We live in a rush, as if constantly spinning on a Ferris wheel, and complain about never having enough time for anything in this fast-paced life. Let’s not forget: as long as we put ourselves in the background, we cannot have a healthy mind and body. We must prioritize our lives wisely and place ourselves at the top of that list. If we can make ourselves a priority and dedicate enough time, we will recognize and feel our own worth.

While dealing with our subconscious or conscious responsibilities, such as being a good mother, a good spouse, or a good employee, when will we stop trying to be perfect and instead start embracing ourselves, valuing ourselves, and recognizing our own self-love, respect, and awareness?

A person must be aware of their own worth, accept themselves, let go of blame, break free from imposed stereotypes, get to know and respect their true self, and establish inner peace.

The problem is that people who do not value themselves tend to care more about others. Out of fear of loss, they compromise themselves and stay in the background. Meanwhile, the other party, unaware of the balance of giving and receiving, continues to take, take, and take. Eventually, this becomes a natural flow of life. Once you realize this, you stop neglecting yourself and cease overvaluing others. After recognizing your own worth, it becomes much easier and more effortless to understand and accept what you truly deserve.

In my November article, I said, “By changing ourselves, we can change our lives.” What did I mean by that? How does it work? Let’s go deeper.

If we cannot change others, let’s start the change within ourselves. Every individual is the architect of their own life because we all possess a certain degree of creative power. As our inner world transforms, our outer world will follow—believe it.

Dr. Joe Dispenza advocates that small shifts in our mindset can have a powerful impact on overall health and life transformation. He says, “Believe in your own power,” emphasizing the profound effect of inner change. Inspired by this, I, too, chose to transform myself, beginning with a simple decision: self-love. Everything starts there—it is truly that important. 😊

First, let’s stop judging ourselves amidst the chaos of busyness and perfectionism and let go of the feeling of never being able to keep up with everything.

When we incorporate and internalize self-compassion, self-sufficiency, and self-respect into our lives, we start valuing ourselves, and life becomes more meaningful and fulfilling. Before long, we realize that as much as we value ourselves, we are valued and appreciated in return. Because the ability to build healthy relationships begins with knowing and understanding our own essence.

What else can be done? What did I do?

I removed energy-draining factors and one-sided, demanding "moment thieves" from my life. I asked myself questions and made decisions based on the answers: Who am I? What makes me happy? What is the truth in my heart?

When I recognized my self-love and self-worth and decided to treat myself well, the world suddenly became brighter. "Love yourself first!" When you start loving yourself, your perspective on others changes, and your judgments fade away.

We must accept and love ourselves so that others can love us too. Let’s approve and embrace ourselves, and everything else will fall into place. As a result, our inner world will reflect onto our outer world. As Reiki Master İsmail Bülbül says, "How we are inside should be reflected outside—we must be in balance, just like the saying ‘practice what you preach.’" It is said that people are mirrors of themselves; whatever you see within yourself is what others will see in you. This is a reality.

At the level of self-worth we assign to ourselves, we attract people who are as valuable as we are—just like a magnet.

What else?

Every morning when I wake up, I express gratitude to this body that carries me. I set the intention to let go of my self-critical thoughts, judgments, and limiting beliefs that make me feel unworthy. I choose to release my burdens and lighten my soul each morning.

But how can we seize the opportunity to love and know ourselves?

By making time for ourselves, of course.

The most effective way to maintain mental well-being and enhance awareness is to spend time alone with oneself. I truly believe that only then can we be beneficial to others.

When we quiet our thoughts, disconnect from the outside world, and focus on ourselves, we gain the opportunity to notice and change the routines, obligations, and priorities that we unknowingly follow in this invisible cycle of life.

It is well known that successful people dedicate a lot of time to themselves. For example, renowned entrepreneur and scientist Elon Musk has stated that he reads at least 100–150 books per year. 😊 Some businesspeople mention on social media that they walk or jog by the seaside before starting their workday to maintain both their physical and mental well-being.

The journey of self-discovery and transformation begins with valuing ourselves. And when we do, life opens up in the most beautiful and fulfilling ways.

So, here’s a list of self-care activities that might inspire you to make time for yourself:

• Waking up early and taking a walk in the peaceful silence of the morning, alone with yourself.

• Enjoying your coffee on the balcony while listening to your favorite song.

• Meditating with relaxing music.

• Spending time with your little animal friends.

• Reading a book or organizing your bookshelf.

• Benefiting from the calming scents of aromatic oils.

• Starting a workout routine—energy and enthusiasm will follow!

• Treating yourself to a skincare session or a massage.

• Going to the movies alone—trust me, it’s a great experience 😊.

• Attending a concert or a sports match by yourself.

• Watching the sea, sitting on the grass at the beach, and taking a deep breath.

• Listening to the sound of a snowstorm and crackling fireplace in the quiet of the night—or, if you prefer, the rumbling thunder and rainstorm of a rainforest (I personally do this every night, highly recommended—thanks, YouTube!).

  
  

In addition to all these, you can finally start that “one thing” you’ve always been curious about—find yourself a new hobby! Mine is photography, for example.

As we come to the end of this article, let me sum up my thoughts:

When we make time for ourselves and recognize our worth, we gain the opportunity to transform and change our negative thoughts, fears, assumptions, and limiting beliefs. In a way, we experience an awakening.

And let’s not forget—from now on, let these words be our mantra:

"I am valuable, unique, and one of a kind. I am aware of my own worth."

So, how about putting yourself at the center of your life, here and now?

I’m in…

Seher BAKIM