111 — Redefine Your Self-Worth and Rise Above Societal Expectations with Author Kara Loewentheil
May 27, 2024
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Author and life coach Kara Loewentheil discusses redefining self-worth beyond societal expectations. She addresses body image issues, approval seeking, and time management. The podcast explores the impact of societal norms on women's self-esteem and offers tools for empowerment.
Fostering positive body image is crucial in combating societal beauty standards and internalized ableism.
Developing grounded self-confidence by determining self-worth and changing self-perceptions is vital for mental well-being.
Balancing productivity and self-care challenges societal pressures on time allocation, promoting healthier time management practices.
Deep dives
Importance of Body Image and Self-Perception
Having a positive relationship with one's body is crucial, as being alienated from one's body can lead to negative self-perception. Women are often taught to view their bodies as an image rather than as their physical selves. This can result in an adversarial relationship with their bodies due to societal beauty standards and internalized ableism.
Embracing Self-Worth and Achievements
Chasing external validation can be exhausting and fleeting. Cara Lowenthal highlights the importance of developing a grounded self-confidence by changing one's thoughts about themselves and determining their own self-worth. She emphasizes that self-esteem does not have to come from loving every aspect of oneself, but rather fostering a respectful and affectionate relationship with oneself, similar to how one would treat a loved one.
Time Management and Self-Care
Taking back one's time involves understanding societal pressures that dictate how time is spent, especially for women. The urge to constantly be productive and to avoid relaxation due to guilt can impact mental well-being. Striking a balance between productivity and self-care is essential, as it challenges the narrative surrounding busyness and allows for intentional use of time.
Encouraging Kindness and Positive Self-Talk
Cheering others on can shift one's self-perception positively, highlighting the importance of being kind to oneself and others. Accepting that self-love doesn't require loving every aspect but focusing on self-acceptance is empowering. By practicing positive self-talk and acts of kindness towards oneself, individuals can cultivate a healthier relationship with themselves.
Addressing Gender Disparities in Time Management
Gender disparities in time management are influenced by societal expectations and socialization. Accepting that societal norms impact time allocation and learning to prioritize self-care are crucial steps in regaining control of one's time. By reframing perceptions of productivity and rest, individuals can challenge societal standards and establish healthier time management practices.
There are a lot of societal pressures for women to act a certain way. Some of these pressures are subtle while others are more obvious. But the messages women start receiving at a young age can take a toll on their self-worth.
When Kara Loewentheil became an Ivy League graduate turned women's rights lawyer, she realized the reason she still didn't feel good enough was because she had bought into some of the messages about how women should be. Now, as a life coach, podcast host, and author, she's showing women how to take back their brains. Some of the things she talks about today are how to deal with body image issues, how to stop depending on approval from others, and how to take back your time.
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