How working on yourself can help your sense of belonging

There can be several definitions, all ultimately coming to the conclusion that fulfilment comes from living according to what truly matters to you. It comes from a life that reflects the real, authentic you – doing things (and with people) that matter most to you; and contributing and making a difference in ways that are most meaningful to you. It can influence your sense of belonging and if you feel you can be your true self whoever and wherever you are.  

If this is the area that has flagged for you then it is around your sense of belonging, feeling supported and cared for.  

You cannot influence others to care more or give you the support you need so here we share how you can create your own sense of belonging, how can you focus on what you can control.   

In a world where we spend a lot of time on social media, it can give us an unrealistic picture and can create that sense of loneliness and fuel that feeling that you do not belong. It is important to remember that you are worthy, you are one in 7 billion people and for that, if for no other reason, is enough to make you remember you are amazing and unique.  

1. Challenge Your Core Beliefs 

We can often have a sense within ourselves that we do not belong so we should challenge that thinking. and the conversations you are having with yourself. Change the sentence to “ I belong and I bring my authentic and unique self to all my interactions. “ 

2. Self-Acceptance practices  

Ever felt you were in a room full of people but felt completely alone? This is why to be fulfilled it is to find ways to build your self-love, it can be hard to practice this especially if you have always felt no one gets you, don’t see you, don’t appreciate you. If you build your muscles of self-love, it stings less if you don’t feel you belong in your work, school or college. It is about feeling worthy all on your own.  

3. Belonging can be different for different areas of our life. 

If we don’t belong at work, our sports club or school it doesn’t mean we don’t feel a sense of belonging and fulfilment with our friends or family. That is key to remember, that you can feel multiple ways to accept yourself and who you are.  

4. Prioritise Healing Yourself 

To feel fulfilled and have a sense of belonging is to reach out for help in the form of expert resources or therapy. Sometimes it is better for someone else to listen to us and help us unravel our inner workings and thinking. It can help us understand our behaviours, relationships, and mindsets.  

Credit to Elizabeth Su who writes for Talkspace and is a mentor, mindfulness teacher and has a expert background in psychology, business and wellness.