You are enough.
I believe that: that you are enough, just as you are, just as you were made to be.
But I want to be clear about what that means, and what it does not mean.
Because “you are enough” does not mean that you have been measured and considered and judged, and that you have finally earned the label of “enough.”
It doesn’t mean that you’ve worked long enough, tried hard enough, presented well enough. It’s simply who you are. The you that you are is enough.
You don’t have to be more, or do more, or buy more to be who you are meant to be.
That’s what I mean when I say you are enough.
You are enough does not mean that you are a final product, complete and finished, all done growing and changing and learning things forevermore.
You are enough does not mean that you are all-powerful and perfect, either.
You are enough does not mean that you are everything.
The pursuit of enough flies in the face of the pursuit of everything. Having a good grasp on “enough” means you don’t have to get everything, and you certainly don’t have to be everything.
You are enough does not mean that you have to be self-sufficient. It doesn’t mean that you don’t need anyone or anything else. It means you understand how much you do need, how small you are in this great grand universe — and that you don’t have to be even one inch bigger than that.
You are enough absolutely does not mean that you never need help. When you know you are enough, it’s easier to ask for help. It’s easier to admit your weaknesses. You know that your imperfections and your difficulties don’t reflect on your worth, because you are already enough, just as you are.
You are enough does not mean that you are flawless, or that you never make mistakes.
You know that you make mistakes. You know that I make mistakes. I make mistakes every single day. I am aware of my flaws before I even roll out of bed. Every day.
That doesn’t mean that my flaws are the truest, most important thing about me, it just means that I acknowledge them. I see them there. They exist. (Hi, flaws! YOU’RE MINE.)
If “being enough” means “being perfect,” then you are enough is just another reason to hide your true self. You hear that kind of “you are enough,” and you think: well! I know I’m not perfect, so either I’m not enough, or I have to hide who I really am.
No.
You are enough means that you were made to be you, as you are, on purpose.
It is no mistake that you are this person, in this place, at this time.
You are enough as you are, mess and all, beautiful and broken, showing up for your life every day. That’s all you have to be and all you have to do. You’re already enough.
You are enough means you can grow and change and continue to become, because you aren’t trying to prove yourself.
You’re just trying to be yourself.
You are enough means that you don’t have to strive to become more worthy, more valid, more acceptable, or more loved. You already are all of those things.
There are things you might want to be more of. More open. More honest. More true. More authentic. More free. More connected. More intentional. More purposeful. Those are all expressions of your enough-ness. They aren’t about changing yourself, they’re about being yourself.
You were enough before, you are enough now, and you will continue to be enough as you become more of who you were made to be. And believing that, when the world keeps whispering otherwise, is brave.
That’s what I mean when I say that you are enough.
And you are.
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Your friends are enough, too. Share this to remind them:
The concept of "you are enough" encapsulates a profound understanding of self-acceptance and self-worth. As an enthusiast in psychology, personal development, and positive affirmations, this sentiment resonates deeply with me.
The message emphasizes that one's inherent value isn't contingent upon external validations or achievements. It's not about meeting some standard set by society; it's recognizing the innate worthiness within oneself.
Let's break down the concepts used in the article:
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Intrinsic Worth: "You are enough" signifies that your value isn't determined by external factors like achievements or appearances. It's about accepting yourself as you are, recognizing your inherent worth.
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Self-acceptance and Authenticity: It encourages embracing your flaws, acknowledging imperfections, and being authentic. This doesn't imply complacency but rather acknowledges the ongoing journey of self-improvement.
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Rejection of Perfectionism: "You are enough" combats the notion that being 'enough' equates to being perfect. It emphasizes that imperfections are part of what makes you unique.
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Embracing Growth: While affirming your sufficiency, it also encourages personal growth. It's not about proving yourself but about becoming more of who you truly are.
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Interdependence and Vulnerability: It underscores the importance of acknowledging one's vulnerabilities and seeking help when needed. It doesn't promote self-sufficiency but encourages healthy interdependence.
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Purpose and Intention: Recognizing that you're here deliberately, as you are, with a purpose, encourages intentionality in actions and aligning with one's authentic self.
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Bravery in Self-belief: It acknowledges the bravery required to believe in your sufficiency despite societal pressures or self-doubt.
The essence of "you are enough" lies in accepting yourself wholly, acknowledging imperfections, and continuously evolving without compromising your authenticity. It's a powerful reminder that each individual has intrinsic value and doesn't need to meet arbitrary standards to be worthy.
