I’ve asked myself countless times—what does not good enough even mean? Why do I feel this way before I’ve even started something as if I’m already bracing for disappointment? Why do I push myself so hard? So many questions, right?

It took me years to realize that childhood trauma plays a huge role in these feelings of never being enough.

I’ve been estranged from my immediate family for over a decade, and I’m okay with it. I’ve found peace, even though my divorced parents—who I think still don’t speak to each other—occasionally reach out in small ways. And honestly? It makes me furious.

I blocked them on every possible platform but sometimes there is a small loophole I miss.

Okay, maybe I am extra, but I don’t remember them ever supporting my ideas or passions. I started blogging, published a book (which I later pulled from reprinting), went through surgery, and experienced countless major life moments—yet not once did they reach out to say, “Congratulations!” or “Are you okay?” Not even a simple “Well done.”

It was always about them; me, me, me…

They weren’t the worst parents, but narcissistic? Absolutely.

I recently started emailing my father again, well, I decided to take small steps and talk to him, and if I don’t reply for weeks—or even months—he eventually asks if I’m okay. That would’ve bothered me so much in the past, but now? My heart just doesn’t care anymore.

Sometimes I feel guilty that I’ve shut off that part of me, but it is what it is. The feeling passes—usually after some meditation or a long walk. I had the hardest time when my sister shut me out. That was hurting for ages!

The Weight of Never Feeling Enough

Did I grow up questioning my very existence? Struggling to trust people? One hundred percent.

As a child, nothing I did was ever enough. I was too big, too slow, not as good as my sister—always falling short. See the pattern? I was never good enough, smart enough, skinny enough.

Last night, as I lay in bed, I started drafting this post in my head and felt the need to share it. Because I know I’m not alone. These childhood wounds shape our adult lives in ways we don’t even realize.

I’m not a psychiatrist, but I’ve done a lot of inner work to heal. And here’s the truth: My parents’ divorce when I was 19 messed me up, but the damage started long before that. I just didn’t recognize it until I hit my 40s. And when that realization hit me? It felt like a brick to the face.

But I refuse to play the victim—because I’m not one.

I picked myself up. My husband helped me put the pieces back together. And then, I did the work to heal—with his and our kids’ support.

Was I judged for cutting ties 15 years ago? Yes. But I did it for my own sanity, not that I owed anyone an explanation. Some family members don’t get it, and that’s okay. Nobody has to get it except me. I have my reasons. I was ignoring the rumors because I was shutting the noise.

Why Self-Healing Matters

Do I still struggle? Yes. But I’ve learned that if you don’t actively work on healing, these feelings of not being enough will consume you.

It’s easy to get sucked into depression—and that can spiral into an entirely different level of struggle.

What Can You Do?

• Find a therapist. Talking to a professional can be life-changing.

• If therapy isn’t for you, find your own healing path. Read books, listen to motivational speakers, try hypnosis, meditate, go for walks, and keep a journal.

• Fuel your body. Eating better and taking supplements helped me feel stronger—physically and mentally.

• Move your body. Exercise is essential, but that doesn’t mean you have to do high-intensity workouts. Walking is a great start. I won’t pretend I love working out, but I always feel better afterward.

Overcoming the Feeling of ‘Not Good Enough’

Breaking free from this mindset requires self-awareness, intentional action, and a whole lot of self-compassion. Here’s what helped me:

1. Identify the Root Cause

• Where do these feelings come from? Childhood? Society? Relationships? Journaling can help uncover patterns.

2. Challenge Negative Self-Talk

• When you catch yourself thinking, I’m not good enough, ask: Would I say this to a friend?
• Replace it with self-compassion: I am worthy as I am. My value isn’t tied to perfection.

3. Detach Your Worth from Achievement or Appearance

• You are enough simply because you exist—not because of what you do, how you look, or how much you accomplish.

4. Set Boundaries

• Say no to things that drain you. Distance yourself from people who make you feel unworthy.

5. Prioritize Self-Care

• Do what brings you joy—art, music, nature, movement. Nourish your body with food that makes you feel good.

6. Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

• Social media fuels feelings of inadequacy. Focus on your progress, not someone else’s highlight reel.

7. Celebrate Small Wins

• Keep track of your achievements, no matter how small.

8. Seek Support

• Talk to trusted friends, a therapist, or a mentor. Surround yourself with people who lift you up.

9. Practice Self-Compassion

• Everyone struggles. Be kind to yourself.

10. Embrace Growth, Not Perfection

• Shift your mindset from I have to be the best to I am always learning and evolving.
• How Self-Worth, Childhood Trauma & ‘Not Good Enough’ Connect to Food & Workouts

Childhood trauma and feelings of inadequacy often shape how we view food, exercise, and self-care:

1. Emotional Eating & Food Struggles – Many people use food to cope with unresolved emotions—whether for comfort, control, or distraction.

2. Exercise as Punishment vs. Self-Love – Some push their bodies out of guilt, feeling they have to earn food. Others avoid movement altogether due to fear of failure.

3. Perfectionism & Control – A history of trauma can lead to obsessive control over food and exercise as a way to feel enough.

4. Negative Self-Talk & Motivation – Instead of treating food and movement as self-care, we punish ourselves. Restriction, bingeing, over-exercising—it’s a cycle fueled by shame.

Healing means separating self-worth from body image. Learning to nourish ourselves because we deserve it.

If you’ve ever struggled with feeling not enough, I see you. I’ve been there.

Healing is not linear, and it doesn’t happen overnight. But you can break free from these patterns. You can create a life where you feel enough—just as you are.

Wishing you strength and self-love,

Sanna

Let’s talk about Kindle dressing. Yep, you heard that right—dressing up your Kindle. It might sound a little extra, but trust me, it’s all the rage.

I first got hooked when a friend on Instagram started giving her Kindle these adorable seasonal makeovers, and I thought: What even is this magic?

You can follow her @floridabookblogger

Here’s the deal: You get a clear case, add some decorative paper, stickers, and maybe even a pop socket, and voilà! Your Kindle is now a fashion statement. Sounds silly? Maybe.

But for book lovers like me, it’s a creative outlet and an excuse to personalize something we use every day. I love my paperback 11th Gen, but I’ve seen people going crazy over the new Colorsoft Signature Edition. Pick one that you fits you best!

Not a Kindle person? No problem. You can apply this idea to pretty much anything—your phone, iPad, laptop, or any device that could use a little pizzazz.

What You’ll Need for Your Kindle Makeover:

1. Clear Case—

First things first, get a clear case that fits your Kindle perfectly. Check the generation of your Kindle to find the right size—this part’s important, or you’ll end up with a case that doesn’t fit, and nobody wants that. 

2. Decorative Paper— 

This is where the fun begins! You can grab decorative paper from your local craft store for $0.99 to $2.50 per sheet. If you want variety, look for a decorative paper book (priced around $10–$30), which gives you endless options.

I’m currently obsessed with vintage-style reproduction prints for journaling, but the possibilities are endless—florals, galaxy themes, or even minimalist patterns. Not into crafting stores? Amazon has tons of options, too.

3. Stickers— 

Ah, the holy grail of Kindle dressing. Stickers are a must-have for every Kindle owner and book lover. We trade them, hoard them, and use them to express our current reading vibes.

Are you in your Mafia Era? Throw on some dark romance stickers. Living in a fantasy world? Go full ACOTAR mode with themed stickers. Your Kindle becomes a reflection of your current bookish mood, and honestly, that’s half the fun.

4. Pop Socket (Optional)—

— This one’s optional but practical, especially if you like taking your Kindle on the go.

While I typically read at home with my stand and page-turner setup, a pop socket can be a lifesaver when you’re out and about—like at the doctor’s office or on a long flight.

5. Tools of the Trade— 

To bring your Kindle makeover to life, you’ll also need:

Scissors, paper cutter, or scalpel: For precise trimming.

Ruler: To measure your paper and case perfectly.

Pencils or highlighters: Optional, but handy if you like to mark things or sketch out designs.

Why Kindle Dressing Is Worth It?

Sure, this might seem a bit much to non-readers, but for those of us who live and breathe books, it’s a small but meaningful way to bring a little more joy into our lives.

Plus, it’s a great conversation starter—nothing says “I’m in my Mafia Era” like a Kindle covered in moody stickers.

So, whether you’re doing it for seasonal vibes, aesthetic satisfaction, or just because it’s fun, give your Kindle (or any device) a makeover.

Who says only books get pretty covers? Your e-reader deserves a little love, too!

Happy Reading and Crafting!!!

S A N N A

You can follow me on Instagram @mugofreality

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I may not be the most crafty person like my husband, but I enjoy crafting with my family. This holiday season, I had the idea to make a DIY Rustic Holiday Wall Hanging Ornament.

My daughter and I spent a few enjoyable hours creating these ornaments. We’re not the most patient people, but we managed to make the best of it. We had Christmas music playing in the background, her cookies baking in the oven, and this DIY holiday project that I’ve been wanting to make since November.

I think the ornaments turned out great. I spent only about $10 on materials. I found some dry pine branches at the park, which added a touch of green. If you can’t find them outdoors, you can always buy them from a craft store.

Unfortunately, I couldn’t find any pinecones because of the unusual amount of rain we had so I think they decomposed. I was lucky enough to find them in our craft store, but you can certainly buy them in Dollar General stores, and I believe in the flower departments of your grocery store.

I have a few other DIY ideas so hopefully I’ll share them this or the next winter season.

A Simple DIY Guide:

Add a touch of nature to your holiday décor with this charming wall hanging made from natural elements. It’s easy to make, budget-friendly, and adds a warm, rustic vibe to any space.

Materials Needed:

• A small dry branch or twigs

• Fresh or faux pine sprigs

• Dried orange slices

• Pinecones

• Small bells (optional)

• Twine or string

• Hot glue gun and glue sticks, if needed

• Scissors

• Fake Snow Spray (optional)

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Take a walk outside to collect sturdy branches and pinecones (you can also buy them at crafts stores, and dollar stores), or use craft store materials. If you don’t have dried orange slices, you can easily make them:

• Slice oranges thinly (about ¼ inch thick).
• Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, but you can also bake them on a non-stick baking sheet without parchment.
• Bake at 200°F (90°C) for 4 to 5 hours, flipping halfway through, until dried. Alternatively, you can use an air fryer to dehydrate the fruit. Whatever is easier for you.

Step 2: Assemble the Base

• Choose a branch about 12-18 inches long, depending on your desired size.
• Use twine or hot glue to attach the pine sprigs to the branch, arranging them so they look full and balanced.

Step 3: Create the Hanging Elements

• Cut pieces of twine to your desired lengths (about 6-8 inches).
• Tie or glue one end of the twine to dried orange slices, pinecones, and bells.
• Attach the other end of the twine to the branch, spacing them evenly.

Step 4: Add Finishing Touches

• Adjust the arrangement to ensure everything hangs evenly.
• Optional: Spray a bit of faux snow, or glitter on the pine sprigs for extra holiday sparkle.

Step 5: Hang and Enjoy

• Tie a longer piece of twine to both ends of the branch to create a hanger.
• Display your rustic wall hanging on a wall, door, or above a mantel for a festive touch.

Tips for Customization:

• Swap the pine sprigs for eucalyptus for a fresh, modern look.
• Add ribbons, mini ornaments, or fairy lights for extra flair.
• Use cinnamon sticks or star anise for an added festive aroma.

This DIY project is simple yet stunning, perfect for creating a cozy holiday atmosphere. 

Let me know how it turns out!

Happy Crafting,

S A N N A

You can follow me on Instagram @mugofreality & Pinterest @mugofreality

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