You Are Not What Others Project: Reclaiming Your Inner Worth
There’s something profoundly liberating about not allowing others to determine your worth.
Yet it’s also one of the most challenging mindsets to cultivate—because from a young age, many of us have been conditioned to seek validation outside of ourselves. A raised eyebrow, a dismissive tone, a judgmental look… all these small cues can sometimes plant seeds of self-doubt.
But here’s the truth: No one has the power to define your value—unless you hand it over to them.
When someone tries to make you feel inferior, it says more about their internal world than about your essence. Their words or actions may stem from insecurity, fear, jealousy, or even unconscious bias. Seeing this doesn’t excuse harmful behavior, but it does help us to not internalize it. That is a powerful shift.
It’s a daily practice of gently reminding yourself:
“I am enough. I don’t need to shrink to make others comfortable.”
At the same time, empowerment also means staying open to growth. Not all feedback is an attack. Sometimes, what we perceive as “negative” feedback holds a mirror to a blind spot or an area of potential development.
When we stop taking everything personally, we reclaim our energy. We move from a reactive to a reflective state.
The questions then become:
Is there something here I can learn?
Is this about me, or about the lens through which they see the world?
Can I respond instead of react?
This mindset requires conscious, consistent effort. But every time you pause instead of spiraling, every time you respond with clarity instead of defensiveness, you’re building inner strength.
And that kind of strength? It’s unshakable.
An invitation for this week: Notice the moments when your self-worth feels shaken. Pause and ask yourself: Am I letting someone else’s words define me? Is there something I can learn without taking it personally?
This week, commit to heightening your self-awareness. Stand firm in your value. Stay open, but never shrink.
You are more powerful than you know.
Much love, Barbara
PS for more information about my work: https://www.barbaravercruysse.com/
#SelfWorth #Empowerment #EmotionalIntelligence #Leadership #GrowthMindset #KindnessIsStrength
