A Life Spent Feeling Less Than

I’ve spent much of my life feeling like I wasn’t enough. Not smart enough. Not attractive enough. Not successful enough. Those feelings crept into everything I did. They followed me to work, into relationships, and even into the way I saw myself when I looked in the mirror.

There were days when I felt invisible, like no matter how hard I tried, I’d never measure up. Have you ever felt that way? It’s exhausting, isn’t it? But here’s what I want you to know: you don’t have to stay there.

I’m writing this to share how I turned my feelings of being "less than" into a life where I feel “more than enough.” It wasn’t easy, but it was worth it. And if I can do it, so can you.

What “Less Than” Looked Like for Me

For a long time, I lived with this constant fear of being judged. I’d compare myself to everyone around me—friends, colleagues, strangers on social media—and I always came up short.

I remember one moment vividly. I had poured my heart into a project at work, only to hear someone dismiss it with a casual comment. It crushed me. That one remark reinforced the lie I had been telling myself for years: “You’re not good enough.”

But here’s the thing I’ve learned: feeling “less than” is a lie. It’s a story we tell ourselves based on someone else’s opinion, past hurts, or societal standards. And just like any story, it can be rewritten.

Gratitude: My Anchor in the Storm

If there’s one thing that saved me, it’s gratitude.

At my lowest point, when I felt like nothing in my life was going right, I started to focus on what was going right. I remember sitting on my bed one night, tears streaming down my face, and forcing myself to write down three things I was grateful for.

• I had a roof over my head.

• I had someone who cared about me, even if it was just one person.

• I had another day to try again.

That simple act changed everything. It didn’t solve all my problems overnight, but it gave me a glimpse of hope. It reminded me that even when life feels hard, there’s always something to be thankful for.

Gratitude became my lifeline. It helped me shift my focus from what I lacked to what I had. And the more I practiced it, the more I realized just how much I had to be grateful for.

Turning the “Less Than” Mindset Around

Rewriting the story I told myself didn’t happen overnight. It was a slow process, but every small step made a difference.

Here’s what worked for me:

1. Celebrating Small WinsI stopped waiting for big milestones to feel proud of myself. I started celebrating the little things—getting out of bed on a hard day, finishing a task, or simply being kind to someone.

2. Replacing Comparison with GratitudeWhenever I caught myself comparing my journey to someone else’s, I reminded myself to be grateful for where I was. Their success didn’t take away from mine.

3. Surrounding Myself with PositivityI made it a point to spend time with people who lifted me up, not tore me down. Their encouragement reminded me of my worth on days when I couldn’t see it for myself.

4. Finding Purpose in PainI began to see my struggles as lessons. Instead of letting them define me, I let them shape me into someone stronger.

Simple Gratitude Practices You Can Try

Gratitude is one of the most powerful tools for transforming your mindset. Here are a few practices that have worked for me:

1. Start a Gratitude JournalWrite down three things you’re grateful for every morning or night. They don’t have to be big—sometimes the smallest things, like a smile from a stranger or a warm cup of coffee, mean the most.

2. Gratitude WalksTake a walk and actively notice things you’re grateful for—the breeze on your face, the beauty of nature, or the sound of birds. It’s a peaceful way to reset your mind.

3. Gratitude LettersWrite a letter to someone who has made a positive impact on your life. You don’t even have to send it—just writing it will fill you with appreciation.

4. Daily Gratitude RitualsCreate a daily ritual where you take a moment to close your eyes, breathe deeply, and say out loud one thing you’re grateful for.

5. Gratitude JarWrite down one thing you’re grateful for on a small piece of paper each day and place it in a jar. At the end of the year (or even a tough week), read through them to remind yourself of all the blessings in your life.

Reach Out for a Gratitude Session

Sometimes it’s hard to practice gratitude on your own, especially when life feels overwhelming. If you need a little help, I’m here for you. Let’s work together to create a gratitude plan that works for you.

Reach out to me for a gratitude coaching session, where we’ll explore how to shift your mindset, uncover what you’re grateful for, and create daily habits that will transform your life. You can contact me at www.medxpressionzllc.com or 702-550-0043.

You Are Enough

The journey from feeling “less than” to “more than enough” isn’t easy, but it’s worth every step. Along the way, remind yourself that you are loved, you are capable, and you are enough—not because of what you do, but because of who you are.

Gratitude changed my life, and I believe it can change yours too.

So here’s my challenge for you: Take a moment today to find something to be grateful for, no matter how small. Write it down. Say it out loud. Let it remind you that even in the hardest times, there is always light to be found.

Because you are more than enough.