Hi @Mint_Crane
I hear you, and it sounds like you're dealing with a lot of tough feelings right now, especially when it comes to how others might perceive you or how you perceive yourself. It’s really common to feel out of sync with where society says we "should" be, but I want you to know that there’s no one right timeline for these things. Everyone’s journey is different, and there’s no rulebook that says you have to hit certain milestones by a certain age.
It’s understandable that, with all the pressure and expectations from friends, media, and society, you might feel unsure of yourself or question your worth. But honestly, it’s okay to be in this space right now. You’re already doing the hard work by going to therapy and taking time to reflect on your feelings. That’s something worth acknowledging. It’s not easy to face these things, and it’s a process, so give yourself credit for even taking those steps.
When people compliment you and you don’t fully believe them, I get it. It's hard to take in positive feedback when you’re not feeling confident about yourself. But it might help to remind yourself that others see things in you that you might not see in yourself yet. Their compliments come from a real place, even if it's hard to accept them at the moment. Over time, you might find that those positive things start to stick a little more. It’s a gradual process, but just allowing yourself to hear those compliments and maybe believe them little by little could be a step forward.
Cutting back on social media is a great move too—it's easy to get caught up in comparing ourselves to others online, and that can make things feel even harder. People are often sharing the highlights of their lives, and that can make us feel like we’re not measuring up. But real life is messier, and it’s okay if you’re not exactly where you want to be right now. Everyone moves at their own pace, and there’s no need to rush into things.
You’re doing the right things by reflecting, seeking support, and trying to take care of your mental health. It can be really hard at times, but try to be patient with yourself. Progress isn’t always linear, and it’s okay to take things at your own pace. You're enough just as you are.
Sending you a lot of care and positive thoughts. Keep being kind to yourself, and take it one day at a time. 💙
