Do you ever have one of those days when you feel like you’re just not enough? Frustrating days when a nagging inner voice tells you that you aren’t worth it or good enough for the people you love or your job. Been there, right?
If you are reading this, let me tell you something — you are enough, actually a little more than enough but not less.
To ensure this, let’s get on a journey of self-discovery and self-love guided by the man of joy himself, the Chief Joy Officer, Loka Pandya.
You must be eager to know the man behind the magic. Loka Pandya is not your average entrepreneur or life coach. He’s a force of nature, a beacon of inspiration, and a true advocate for living a fulfilled and meaningful life.
Unlike many motivational speakers, Loka believes in changing minds with his actions rather than words. With a passion for mental health and joy, Loka has dedicated his career to understanding how we can unlock our full potential and embrace our worth.
But it wasn’t always smooth sailing for Loka. When he was 6, his mother succumbed to severe depression. This was Loka’s first encounter with the feeling of not being enough. He thought he had failed his mother, as he couldn’t help or keep her happy. These invading thoughts turned him into an over-functioning people pleaser who always used to fill other people’s cups without filling his own.
He used to feel inadequate, always striving to be enough for someone or something.
Until one day, he found his light and finally allowed himself to let go of the muffled emotions he had been carrying around with him and began to exude joy in every moment of his day.
Speaking about this depressing episode of inadequacy, Loka said: “It’s ok to not feel like enough sometimes. We all have those days when we feel like we’re not enough, but it’s important to remember that we are all capable of so much.”
Loka’s perspective on not feeling enough is truly eye-opening.
He believes that the key to overcoming this feeling lies within ourselves. Here are a few strategies he suggested on how to cultivate self-love and eliminate the feeling of inadequacy.
- Look inside yourself.
Comparison is a brutal sport!
As Loka says, “Sometimes we feel like we’re not enough because we spend too much time looking outside ourselves. Because we constantly look outward, we do not feel like we are enough for anyone when we look toward them, such as when we look toward our jobs, we feel inadequate for them.”
Loka’s theory can also be deemed “social comparison,” where individuals judge themselves based on the successes, possessions, and achievements of others. The best way to get out of this crippling feeling is to look inside yourself and discover the true beauty that resides within you.
- Engage in self-care:
We often think we are not enough for someone or something, but have we ever thought, “Are we enough for ourselves? What are we giving or doing to help ourselves?”
Self-care is indeed essential to cultivating self-love.
So go out, get a good massage, eat your favorite food, get yourself some flowers, or even buy that tempting chocolate cake you get on other people’s birthdays. Taking time to recharge and refuel will ensure you have enough to give to others.
- Do what brings you joy:
Most of us think that doing something for ourselves is a waste of time, but no, it’s not.
Loka advises doing something for yourself “every day” to bring joy and boost self-esteem. Get started by figuring out what brings you joy. Whatever makes you happy, whether it is singing and dancing or reading your favorite book while sipping tea, just do it.
- Journal your feelings:
Journaling is an absolute powerhouse habit! It unlocks the incredible ability to pour out your deepest emotions and thoughts, bypassing the need for a confidante, which might not be available easily at times.
Are you feeling inadequate, like you just don’t measure up? Loka suggests grabbing that pen and paper because journaling is your secret weapon. It’s like an exhilarating rollercoaster ride, unraveling the tangled mess inside your mind.
Finally, Loka wants you to remember that no matter what happens, you are enough. Accept your worth, celebrate your individuality, and revel in the joy of being authentically yourself.
Let Loka Pandya’s wisdom guide you on this self-love journey, and remember that you have the power to create a life filled with joy and contentment.
So go forth, my friend, and live your most vibrant, fulfilled life!
For a daily dose of inspiration, connect with Loka on Instagram or visit his website.