Janhvi Kapoor, the talented actress and daughter of the late Sridevi, has been very open about her struggles with self-worth after her mother passed away in 2018. At that time, she was on the threshold of her Bollywood debut, a major milestone overshadowed by profound personal loss. In a recent podcast with Ranveer Allahabadia, Janhvi opens up about her journey through grief, insecurity, and finally, self-discovery.
Janhvi Kapoor on Seeking Validation from the Wrong Places
Janhvi Kapoor went on to share in the podcast how losing her mother to death led her to a vulnerable place. She confessed that, initially, it was difficult for her to measure up to her self-worth and sought approval from others. This journey for approval took her to places that made her feel more insecure.
Janhvi also spoke of how she struggled with body image issues, insecurities about her command of Hindi, and how deprived she was of so many normal life experiences because she was brought up so sheltered. She described herself as a person who hates stagnation and seeks personal, intellectual, and artistic growth. However, her mother's death swirled her into a whirlpool of insecurity.
She reflected on the fact that societal perceptions of her privilege made her feel apologetic for her place in the industry. She shared that, at school, any achievement or opportunity was often credited to her lineage, which made it difficult for her to recognize her inherent value.
Understanding and Improving Self-Worth
One's self-worth forms the backbone of our overall well-being. According to the American Psychological Association, self-worth refers to our self-evaluation as a capable and valuable individual who is worthy of love and respect. It is an internal sense of how much we respect, like, love, and value ourselves regardless of external validation.
Self-Worth Check
In order to evaluate your self-worth, consider asking yourself these:
- How much do I like, respect, and value myself?
- Which words would I use to describe myself to a stranger?
- Are my self-reflections mainly positive, negative, or neutral?
- Do I think that I am worth others' love, respect, and consideration?
Reflections on the questions will help you grasp your self-esteem and point out areas you should pay extra attention to and address.
Also Read: From Fahadh Faasil To Rana Duggabati; Actors Who Opened Up About Their Health Struggles
Why Self-Esteem Matters
Good self-esteem begets self-confidence, resilience, and a willingness to embrace opportunities without the fear of failure. It determines our perception of situations and reactions, especially when it comes to relationships. A person who has healthy self-esteem will know that they deserve better than being mistreated and will set boundaries.
On the other hand, negative self-esteem leads to negative self-judgment, fear of failure, and disproportionate attention to weaknesses. This usually leads to depression, anxiety, and a reluctance to put out one's needs and boundaries. Such people may also tend to seek validation from others, which may lead to unhealthy relationships and practices.
How to Enhance Your Self-Esteem
Here are some strategies to enhance your self-esteem:
Activities You Enjoy
Participate in enjoyable activities and those that you are excellent at to reinforce your feelings of competency and worth.
Regular Exercise
Regular exercise is associated with increased self-esteem. Challenging your body and accomplishing certain achievements in fitness may act as tangible proof of your competencies.
Question Negative Thoughts
Know that thoughts are not facts. Challenge and replace negative thoughts about yourself with more realistic and favourable ones.
Support
Consider therapy if poor self-esteem affects your relationships, work, or emotional well-being. A professional can offer you an objective view and effective tools.
Bottomline
In the end, the struggles of Janhvi Kapoor through grief and self-discovery emphasize the importance of self-worth. Self-worth is what one needs to understand and nurture for personal growth, healthy relationships, and well-being. With these strategies, one will be in a position to build a stronger positive self and, therefore, lead a more satisfying life.