What Is the Antidote to the Abandonment of Ourselves?
Appreciation.
This is what I discovered today.
As I lay in Savasana, looking up at the sky, I delighted in how much I have been appreciating my body lately. I appreciated myself for that too.
As I reflected on what appreciation can do for us, it hit me: "It's the antidote to abandoning ourselves." 🤯
Why Appreciation Matters
When we don’t appreciate and therefore don’t honor our inner child, we perpetuate patterns of abandonment and suffering. This lack of appreciation can manifest in various ways:
💃 Abandoning our bodies
🙏 Abandoning our needs, wants, and desires
The Truth About the Abandonment Wound
We often think the abandonment wound is caused by someone else leaving us. While it may appear this way, the real pain and suffering comes down to how much we trust ourselves to not abandon ourselves.
When you live a life of self-appreciation and honor your inner child, you no longer rely on external validation. You trust yourself to provide what you need.
If someone leaves, your abandonment wound is less likely to be triggered because you know you won’t abandon yourself. You become your own source of validation and strength.
The Cycle of Self-Abandonment
The less you honor and appreciate yourself, the more you look to others to fill that gap. This creates a cycle of:
Codependency
Self-abandonment
External validation seeking
This dynamic often places undue responsibility on others to make you feel whole. Ironically, this energy of grasping can push people away, increasing the likelihood of them leaving—unless they’re also over-givers.
If they do leave, and you still don’t trust yourself, you may find yourself saying things like:
"I can’t do this on my own."
"They were my security blanket."
"I’ll never find someone like that again."
"It’s all my fault!"
But here’s the truth:
The abandonment wound was never about the other person. It was always about the level of trust you had to not abandon yourself.
Steps to Cultivate Self-Appreciation
Honor Your Inner Child: Take moments to listen to your inner child’s needs and acknowledge their worth.
Practice Daily Gratitude: Appreciate small wins and moments of joy in your day-to-day life.
Set Boundaries: Respect your own needs and desires by creating healthy boundaries.
Engage in Self-Care: Prioritize activities and practices that nurture your mind, body, and soul.
Ready to honor yourself and break free from the cycle of self-abandonment? Let’s connect! Book a call today and take the first step toward cultivating trust and appreciation for yourself.
FAQs About Abandonment of Ourselves
1. How does self-appreciation prevent self-abandonment?
When you appreciate yourself, you build trust in your ability to meet your own needs. This reduces the need to rely on external validation, fostering inner stability and self-respect.
2. What are signs of self-abandonment?
Signs include neglecting your physical or emotional needs, ignoring your boundaries, and relying heavily on others for validation or security.
3. How can I start appreciating myself more?
Start with small steps: keep a gratitude journal, speak kindly to yourself, and celebrate your efforts and achievements—no matter how small they seem.
