A Healthy Sense of Self

A healthy sense of self to me is that quality in which a person is at peace with who he or she is. The outside world does not dictate whether I am of value. I am not taken out by someone attacking me verbally. I have acknowledged my sins before my Creator and have received His and my forgiveness. Because of this, I am able to wake up each day with a sense of thanksgiving and a peace that nothing can disrupt. As Nouwen puts it, I have transitioned from “restless senses to the restful spirit” (1975, p. 34). When I have a healthy sense of self, I see the world, in some degree, through God’s eyes. I am able to experience others fully, focusing on their needs and bringing life to them (Nouwen, 1975). My insecurities drain away as I know that I am exactly who God designed me to be. When I do fail, which I will, I do not linger in my failure but instead smile, knowing that I have a good heart but am human. I quickly put behind my shortcomings and engage in life once again looking to further His kingdom. It is not about me. That is a healthy sense of self.

Nouwen, H. J. M. (1975). Reaching out: The three movements of the spiritual life. New York, N.Y.: Doubleday, Image Books.