Emotional Eating

Having difficulty asking for what you want? Get help from a baby.

by
# Having Difficulty Asking for What You Want? Learn From a Baby ## Why Is It So Hard to Ask for What You Want? As babies, we had no trouble expressing our needs. When we were hungry, tired, uncomfortable, or wanted attention, we made our feelings known immediately. We did not worry about being judged, rejected, or criticized. So what changed? Many people seek counselling for anxiety, depression, grief, relationship challenges, or low self-esteem. Although every person's story is unique, one common theme often emerges: "I am not good enough." This belief can quietly influence almost every area of life, including your ability to ask for what you need and want. ## Where Does Low Self-Esteem Come From? When you were born, you did not believe there was anything wrong with you. You did not think you were too much, not enough, too emotional, too sensitive, too demanding, or too flawed. However, as we grow up, we absorb messages from our environment. Praise, criticism, unrealistic expectations, comparisons, or even the absence of encouragement can shape how we see ourselves. Over time, these experiences often create an inner critic that questions our worth and abilities. You may recognize thoughts such as: * What's wrong with me? * Why can't I get it right? * I should be doing better. * I'm not good enough. * Other people are better than I am. Unfortunately, these messages can erode confidence and make it difficult to advocate for yourself. ## How Low Self-Esteem Affects Daily Life When self-esteem is low, many people begin putting the needs of others ahead of their own. This can show up in many ways: * Constantly trying to please others. * Neglecting self-care. * Avoiding difficult conversations. * Struggling to set boundaries. * Not asking for help. * Undercharging for services. * Avoiding career opportunities. * Staying silent about personal needs. * Minimizing achievements and successes. As a result, frustration, resentment, anxiety, and emotional exhaustion often increase. ## Why Asking for What You Want Matters Healthy relationships require honest communication. People cannot read your mind. If you consistently ignore your needs or expect others to guess what you want, disappointment often follows. Learning to ask for what you want is not selfish. It is a healthy expression of self-respect and self-worth. When you communicate your needs clearly, you create opportunities for connection, understanding, and positive change. ## A Powerful Exercise: Mirror Work One effective way to improve self-esteem is through a practice known as mirror work. Stand in front of a mirror and look directly into your own eyes. Then say: "I love and accept you exactly as you are." You can make the statement even more personal by including your name: "I love you, Sarah. I love and accept you exactly as you are." Notice what thoughts arise immediately afterward. Many people discover that their inner critic quickly responds with doubt, criticism, or judgment. These reactions provide valuable insight into beliefs that may be limiting confidence and self-worth. ## Journaling for Self-Awareness Writing down the thoughts that surface during mirror work can be incredibly helpful. Ask yourself: * Where did this belief come from? * Is it actually true? * Would I say this to someone I love? * How has this belief affected my life? Journaling helps uncover patterns and creates opportunities for healing and self-compassion. ## What Babies Can Teach Us About Authenticity Babies express emotions honestly. They cry when they are upset. They laugh when they are happy. They seek comfort when they need connection. Most importantly, they do not apologize for having needs. As adults, many of us lose this authenticity. We become focused on pleasing others, avoiding mistakes, and meeting unrealistic standards. Learning to reconnect with your authentic self means giving yourself permission to experience emotions, express needs, and ask for support without shame. ## Let Go of Perfectionism Perfectionism often fuels low self-esteem. When you believe you must always perform flawlessly, any mistake can feel like proof that you are not good enough. Instead, try loosening your standards in one area of your life. Practice: * Allowing mistakes. * Celebrating small successes. * Laughing at imperfections. * Accepting progress instead of perfection. * Rewarding yourself for positive changes. These small shifts can create significant improvements in confidence and emotional well-being. ## Give Yourself Permission to Be You The journey toward greater self-esteem begins with self-acceptance. Like a baby, allow yourself to express your feelings honestly and stay present with your experience. The more you learn to value yourself, the easier it becomes to ask for what you need, set healthy boundaries, and create meaningful relationships. Remember, your needs matter. Your voice matters. And you deserve the same kindness and compassion that you so freely offer to others.

Having Difficulty Asking for What You Want? Learn an Important Lesson from Babies Why Is It So Hard to Ask for What You Want? Learning how to ask for what you want can feel surprisingly difficult. Yet when you were a baby, expressing your needs came naturally. If you were hungry, you cried. If you … Read more

Are you getting bigger because you’re making yourself small? Part 1

by
Emotional Eating and Self-Care

Are You Gaining Weight Because You’re Ignoring Your Own Needs? Part 1 The Hidden Cost of Putting Yourself Last Have you ever found yourself constantly taking care of everyone else while neglecting your own needs? Many people, especially women, grow up believing that being a good partner, parent, daughter, friend, or caregiver means putting everyone … Read more

How Authenticity can help you lose weight

by
Authenticity and Emotional Eating

Authenticity and Emotional Eating: How Being True to Yourself Can Help You Lose Weight Could Authenticity Be the Missing Piece? When people think about weight loss, they often focus on diets, exercise plans, and willpower. However, lasting change may have less to do with food and more to do with your relationship with yourself. Many … Read more

I want to lose weight – your “familiar” New Year’s resolution?

by
Healing Your Relationship with Food

Want to Lose Weight This Year? Focus on Healing Your Relationship with Food Instead A Different Approach to New Year’s Weight Loss Goals Every January, countless people make the same New Year’s resolution: “I want to lose weight.” For many, this goal leads to another diet plan, strict food rules, and renewed determination. Unfortunately, the … Read more

Teaching Children Patience: How Stress Tolerance Can Help Prevent Addiction Later in Life

by
Teaching Children Patience

Teaching Children Patience: How Stress Tolerance Can Help Prevent Addiction Later in Life Why Learning to Wait Matters Today’s children are growing up in a world of instant gratification. Entertainment, food, information, and communication are available almost instantly. While convenience has many benefits, it may also reduce opportunities for children to develop patience and stress … Read more

Silence can make you fat…

by
Silence can make you fat...

Silence can make you fat…   Emotional Eating and Weight Loss: Why Diets Often Fail Understanding Canada’s Weight Struggles Canada continues to face growing challenges related to obesity and weight management. While many people focus on dieting as the solution, long-term weight loss often requires a much deeper approach. Canadian nutrition expert Rose Reisman has … Read more

Do you yearn for freedom and Autonomy?

by
compassion

Are You Getting Bigger Because You’re Keeping Yourself Small? The Need for Freedom and Autonomy Do You Yearn for More Freedom and Autonomy? Do you spend most of your time making sure everyone around you is happy? Are you constantly meeting the needs of your partner, children, family, friends, or coworkers while putting your own … Read more

Eat Like a Snail – Mindful Eating

by
Eat like a snail

Eat Like a Snail: The Benefits of Slowing Down While Eating Does Your Eating Style Come From Childhood? Does the way you eat reflect how your family ate when you were growing up? Many eating habits develop during childhood and continue into adulthood. For example, some people learn to eat quickly because meals were rushed. … Read more