stay a little longer...

Ck Therapy thoughtful reflections
Sometimes self-esteem begins with letting something kind about yourself stay a little longer
Many people find it easier to absorb criticism than kindness.
Not because positive things are untrue,
but because the brain is naturally wired to notice potential threats more than reassurance. This is part ofis referredto as the brain’s “negativity bias” an adaptive survival response designed to help us scan for danger, rejection, or mistakes.
Over time, especially if someone has experienced criticism, shame, inconsistency, or low self-worth, the brain can become even more practiced at filtering for the negative while dismissing the positive.
Compliments get minimised.
Achievements get brushed aside.
Kindness feels uncomfortable or undeserved.
Strengthening self esteem is not about forcing yourself to “think positively.”
It is about slowly helping the brain build familiarity with safer, more balanced ways of secing yourself.
Sometimes healing begins with small moments:
letting the compliment land, accepting the reassurance,
or resisting the urge to immediately dismiss something kind.
The more we practise noticing and holding onto positive experiences, the more we create new patterns for the brain to return to.