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Self-worth is fluid, shaped by how we relate to our changing inner experience.

Presence and self-compassion help us meet difficult feelings with dignity.

Healthy self-worth allows spaciousness around our emotions instead of reacting to them.

Learning from mistakes without shame strengthens resilience and inner stability.

Self-worth isn’t a commodity we either have or don’t have. It’s fluid, not fixed. There may be moments when we’re in the flow and feeling good about ourselves. In other moments, self-criticism may override our inner peace and self-worth.

What might it take to dwell in a more stable sense of our worth and value?

Being Present to Our Changing Experience

We can’t expect ourselves to always feel good—unruffled by life’s changing winds. But we can work toward staying connected to ourselves—whatever experience greets us. Instead of turning away from our felt experience, we can value ourselves enough to courageously turn toward it, even if it’s uncomfortable or unpleasant at times.

A grounded sense of self-worth rests on our capacity to bring a gentle presence to whatever we happen to be experiencing—holding ourselves with kindness and dignity rather than criticizing ourselves for what we’re experiencing.

Our self-worth is tested when we encounter an unpleasant........

© Psychology Today