Many sensitive children do not feel seen by their parents, teachers, or family. Their sensitivities are treated more like aberrations from the norm than precious and unique abilities. Many of us are told as children, “Get a thicker skin,” or “Toughen up,” suggesting that something is wrong with our empathic nature.
Growing up with the sense of not being “seen” by their family can also injure an empath’s self-confidence, which can lead to becoming a people-pleaser. These sensitive souls try to win love by getting into others’ good graces. Also, they may feel responsible for someone’s emotional or physical state. People-pleasers give away too much of themselves and squash their own needs and emotions.
In my book “Thriving as an Empath” I discuss the liberation of feeling seen with a capital “S” and how to build your self-confidence.
This means that others accept you completely for who you are. You are not judged, blamed, or minimalized. In my psychotherapy practice, “seeing” someone is a crucial aspect of what I offer my patients.
When you are seen–really seen–you can breathe a sigh of relief. You don’t have to change. You don’t have to do anything differently. You are authentically and unapologetically who you are, including your gifts and areas in need of growth. It’s a marvelous feeling to be unconditionally accepted.
You can begin to shift out of the people-pleasing pattern by saying “no” to something small. Also, express your opinion about an issue (start with less emotionally charged ones), even if it differs from friends’ or families’. Asserting yourself will build self-confidence. You don’t have to please people all the time. You deserve to be liked and respected for being your authentic self.
Set your intention. Today, I will “see” myself with loving eyes. I will be with others who can “see” me too. I will also find the right balance between expressing my own needs and supporting others.
Judith Orloff, MD is the New York Times best-selling author of The Empath’s Survival Guide: Life Strategies for Sensitive People. Her new book Thriving as an Empath offers daily self-care tools for sensitive people along with its companion The Empath’s Empowerment Journal. Dr. Orloff is a psychiatrist, an empath, and is on the UCLA Psychiatric Clinical Faculty. She synthesizes the pearls of traditional medicine with cutting edge knowledge of intuition, energy, and spirituality. Dr. Orloff also specializes in treating highly sensitive, empathic people in her private practice. Dr. Orloff’s work has been featured on The Today Show, CNN, Oprah Magazine, the New York Times. Dr. Orloff has spoken at Google-LA and has a popular TEDX talk. Her other books are Thriving as an Empath: 365 Days of Self-Care for Sensitive People, The Empowered Empath’s Journal, Emotional Freedom and Guide to Intuitive Healing. Explore more information about her Empath Support Online course and speaking schedule on www.drjudithorloff.com.
Society tells us to be humble, to wait our turn, to only claim what we can prove. But what if the secret to success isn’t waiting for proof—it’s acting like you already have it?
Some of the most successful people in history weren’t necessarily the smartest, the most talented, or the best prepared. They were the ones who refused to entertain doubt. They acted as if their success was inevitable—until it was.
Delusional confidence is not about arrogance or ignorance; it’s about choosing belief over fear, faith over hesitation. It’s about backing yourself so hard that the universe has no choice but to meet you halfway.
If you’ve been feeling stuck, unmotivated, or just a little off, you’re not alone. The start of the year can be tough, and sometimes, it feels like we’re just going through the motions. But with spring finally here, it’s the perfect opportunity to reset, refresh, and spring clean your life—not just your home, but your mind, habits, and daily routine.
Think of it as a fresh start, a chance to let go of what’s been weighing you down and make space for new energy and motivation. Whether it’s decluttering your space, breaking free from negative habits, or simply creating more time for yourself, a little spring cleaning can go a long way.
Here are some things you can do over the next few weeks to glow up and snap out of the funk.
Do you ever feel like no matter what you have, something better is always out there? That nagging feeling that your relationship, job, or life in general could be more exciting, or just… better? If so, you might be dealing with the Grass is Greener Syndrome.
It’s that restless voice in your head that constantly wonders if you made the wrong choice. You scroll through social media and see people seemingly living their best lives, traveling to exotic destinations, landing dream jobs, or being in picture-perfect relationships.
And suddenly, what you have feels dull in comparison. This constant chase for something “better” can be exhausting and, more importantly, prevent you from appreciating the present moment.
Let’s learn more about it if you find yourself getting stuck in the ‘Grass is Gr
Mindset shifts are the key to manifesting your dream life.
Every year, I set goals and made vision boards, convinced that this time, things would change. But by the end of the year, nothing had moved. It felt like I was stuck in the same place, no matter how hard I tried.
Eventually, I realized the problem wasn’t my goals—it was my mindset. I had limiting beliefs running the show, quietly holding me back from everything I wanted. My thoughts were filled with self-doubt, and deep down, I didn’t truly believe I could have the life I was dreaming of.
So, I made a change. I started paying attention to my thoughts and replacing negative ones with self-affirming beliefs. I stopped questioning if I was “good enough” or if my dreams were “too big.” Instead, I started acting as if
Have you ever noticed how some truths about life just hit different? These universal truths about the human condition are the kind that stick with you long after you’ve heard them.
KEY POINTS
Well-written memoirs often share universal truths that connect with readers on a deeper level.
Universal truths are many, and each of us can have our own unique set.
Learning about others’ universal truths can help you find our own way.
In my memoir writing workshops, I always emphasize the importance of each story having a universal truth. While many are w
Are you the type of person who stays silent even when something bothers you, just to keep the peace? If so, you might consider yourself as a non confrontational personality. But what if I told you that this trait might be doing you harm, more than helping you?
While avoiding confrontation might seem like the best way to maintain peace in relationships and workplaces, it often comes at a high cost. Let’s dive into why being non confrontational is affecting you and how you can strike a balance between peacekeeping and standing up for yourself.
Ever heard someone say, “Go touch some grass”? It’s an internet slang often thrown around as an insult, telling people to log off and reconnect with reality. But behind the sarcasm, there’s actual wisdom in those words. So, let us explore the real benefits of touching grass.
We spend hours glued to screens, scrolling or doom scrolling through social media, binge-watching shows, or getting lost in heated online debates. Spending too much time online can leave you feeling disconnected, drained, and overwhelmed.
Leave a Reply