From Self-Compassion to Self-Admiration
Why You’re Secretly a Genius
“Practice self-compassion,” they say. “Be kind to yourself,” they say. And sure, that’s nice advice—kind of like being told to eat more kale. Fine. But also, boring. What if we leveled up? What if we skipped right past the timid hug of self-compassion and went straight for a full-blown standing ovation?
Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time for self-admiration. Not just “I did my best” vibes, but actual jaw-dropping awe at your brilliance. Because here’s the tea: all those little quirks and coping mechanisms you’ve been side-eyeing for years? They’re nothing short of genius.
Stop Seeing Yourself Through Shit-Colored Lenses
For reasons no one can fully explain, society has programmed us to see our lives through shit-colored glasses. Every little stumble or bad habit looks like proof we’re failing at life. Meanwhile, we completely miss the dazzling ingenuity staring us in the face.
Let’s flip the script. That “weird thing” you do isn’t a flaw—it’s evidence that you are a problem-solving wizard, a survivalist mastermind, and a low-key creative genius.
Take a closer look, my friend. You’ve been pulling off feats of brilliance since before you could tie your shoes. You’re basically a life-hacking MacGyver—you just never got the credit.
The Bedwetting Brilliance
Here’s a story. Picture a 17-year-old girl who still wets the bed. It’s a disaster for her social life. No sleepovers. No dating. Total mortification. She hates herself for it.
But let’s rewind. When she was three, she had a cousin who crossed boundaries in ways that made her feel unsafe. Three-year-old her had no idea how to handle that situation—so she got creative. She discovered that if she smelled like pee, her cousin would stay far, far away. Problem solved.
Fast forward to now, and that coping mechanism is no longer helping. But let’s take a moment to appreciate her resourcefulness. Three years old and already coming up with life-saving strategies? Give that kid a medal!
When we look at her story with admiration instead of judgment, something magical happens. Suddenly, it’s not about shame—it’s about recognizing her strength. And from that place of admiration, healing becomes not only possible but easier.
Manifesting Daddy Issues Like a Pro
Now let’s talk about relationships. Specifically, that awkward pattern where you keep dating people who might as well have “Dad 2.0” stamped on their foreheads. It’s frustrating, right? You’re over here wondering, Why do I keep doing this to myself? (Oh, wait, that’s me!)
But pause for a second. This isn’t a flaw. This is evidence of your inner child’s unmatched manifestation powers. Somewhere deep inside, a little voice is saying, “Let’s recreate Dad, but this time he’ll stick around!” Or, “Let’s find Mom 2.0—one who finally thinks we’re the greatest thing since sliced bread!”
And yeah, maybe it’s not working out. But can we all agree this is some next-level wizardry? Your brain is out here conjuring people who perfectly match your childhood wounds. That’s commitment. That’s precision. That’s manifestation on steroids.
Now, instead of groaning about it, what if you gave yourself a round of applause? “Wow, look at me go. I’m practically a relationship magician! Let’s aim this magic at something better next time.”
The Cool Uncle Vibes
We all know the difference between learning from someone who gets you and someone who doesn’t. Think about the teacher who made you love math because they cracked jokes and handed out candy. Compare that to the overcritical parent who could only mutter “You’ll never amount to anything” while you struggled through your times tables.
Your inner self doesn’t want to be lectured by the emotional equivalent of a drill sergeant. It wants the cool uncle who tells you, “Hey, you’re pretty awesome. Let’s figure this out together.”
Self-admiration creates that safe, encouraging environment where growth happens naturally. It’s you, cheering for you, like the world’s most enthusiastic life coach with a great sense of humor.
Healing Is Basically an Escape Room
Here’s the kicker: self-admiration makes healing fun. Instead of treating it like some grim self-improvement boot camp, you can approach it like an escape room.
Every “flaw” or pattern you uncover? It’s not a failure—it’s a clue. A breadcrumb leading you toward wholeness. You can roll your eyes at your quirks, sure, but you can also laugh and say, “Dang, I’m good at this survival thing.”
Dating your dad’s doppelgänger again? Boom, 20 points for pattern recognition. Repeating that coping mechanism from your childhood? Bonus points for commitment. Every move you make is part of a game where the ultimate prize is healing and growth—and if you play it right, you might even enjoy yourself.
Your Genius Deserves a Standing Ovation
Let’s be clear: self-admiration isn’t about arrogance. It’s about recognizing your own brilliance—especially the messy, weird, or inconvenient parts.
You’ve been a problem-solving, pattern-manifesting, coping-mechanism maestro your entire life. And when you start to admire yourself for it, instead of beating yourself up, healing stops feeling like a chore and starts feeling like an adventure.
So go ahead. Clap for yourself. Laugh at your quirks. Marvel at your creativity. And above all, admire the absolute genius that you are. You are amazing and beautiful!