"The only thing that's kept me from being happy is thinking that I am not enough."

So, let me break this down for you. When someone says that the only thing keeping them from being happy is thinking they're not enough, they're getting at a core belief that can really mess with your head and your happiness. It's about this nagging feeling of inadequacy—like no matter what you do, it’s not good enough. This mindset can seriously hold you back.

Think about it historically. For ages, people have been dealing with self-doubt. It’s nothing new. Whether it’s a medieval knight doubting his worthiness or a modern-day teenager scrolling through Instagram, the feeling of not measuring up has always been a buzzkill. This quote could have been uttered by anyone, anytime, struggling to find their place in the world.

Now, let me give you a real-life scenario. Imagine Sarah, an artist. She’s got talent, no doubt about it. But every time she finishes a painting, she looks at it and thinks, “It’s not as good as what others are doing. I’m not a real artist.” Her canvases pile up in a corner, unseen, because she’s convinced they’re not good enough to share. She misses out on the joy of showing her work and getting feedback, all because of that inner voice telling her she’s not enough.

So, how do you apply this wisdom? First, you gotta catch yourself when you’re falling into that trap of self-doubt. When you hear that voice saying "I’m not enough," challenge it. Ask yourself, “Is this true? What evidence do I have?” More often than not, you’ll find that it’s just a fear, not a fact. Next, adopt a growth mindset. Instead of fixating on your perceived shortcomings, focus on what you’re learning and how you’re growing. Celebrate small wins. Every step forward is progress.

Here’s a little story for you. Picture Mike, a middle-aged guy who’s always wanted to learn how to play the guitar. He buys one but it mostly collects dust because he thinks he’s too old to start something new. One day, his friend convinces him to just give it a go. He starts with simple chords, and yeah, it’s tough initially. His fingers are sore, the notes sound off, but he’s having fun. He realizes it’s not about being the best guitarist—it's about enjoying the process. And guess what? As he practices, he gets better. His confidence grows. He starts to believe, “Hey, maybe I am enough.”

So, next time you’re beating yourself up, remember Mike. Remember Sarah. You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be you. Practice some self-compassion. Give yourself credit for trying. And know that you—just as you are—are enough. It’s all about shifting your mindset. We’re all a work in progress, and that’s perfectly okay. Remember, your value isn’t up for debate. You define it.