Improving Your Self Esteem


Often in our society, we are bombarded with the lives of celebrities. We can end up feeling that if we are not part of the rich and famous, our lives are insignificant. Our society also sends a message of competition and achievement. We watch sports, we always hear about profit and the bottom line being the dollar, we see large companies competing and constantly buying each other out.

The result often is that we are taught to see how well we are doing, in terms of how pretty we are, how bright we are, what kind of house we have, how well we do in sports, what rewards we receive. However, in reality, these are external measures. Each of us needs to develop a sense of self-worth, a capacity for positive self-regard that comes from within.

Here is an example: Sara was divorced and felt in many ways that she had shortchanged her two daughters, in the sense that they lived on very little money. She could shower few luxuries on them. At times, in her therapy, she talked to me about feeling that she was not much good at anything. Her husband had been abusive both physically and mentally, and had put her down almost constantly. Although she no longer lived with him, inside of herself she still carried feelings of worthlessness.

One day I asked her to review some of the best moments in her childhood. She said, "I always loved when Uncle Sam used to come over, and we all sang songs." I asked her if she did anything like that now, with her girls. She said that they often sang together in the car. In fact, she had taught them many of the songs that Uncle Sam had taught her. I asked her if she realized that she was offering her girls some of the wonderful family memories that were unique to her as a child. She said she hadn't thought about it, but it was certainly true. During months of therapy, we worked again and again in recognizing many valuable aspects of herself. Needless to say, her self-esteem began to improve. Sara is an example for all of us, in the sense that each person has to document his or her own positive talents and strengths.

We have to learn to pat ourselves on the back. To help you, I suggest a self-pride list. During the coming week, write down at least one item a day that you can take pride in having handled well. For example, I was polite and kind to several people in the supermarket checkout line, even though I was tired. Or, I used my head, rather than my fist, and really shared with my son my concerns over his getting another traffic ticket.

At the end of the week, read over your self-pride list, giving yourself a mental hug, or the high five sign. This is the beginning of giving yourself more recognition, which will in time lead to an improved sense of self worth. It is only with this improved sense of self-esteem that you can have the confidence to make sure that your life is filled with enchantment.

About The Author

Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein , originator of THE ENCHANTED SELF®, a method of bringing delight and meaning into everyday living, invites you to view her new line of ENCHANTED WOMAN products, downloadable e-books, and free gifts at www.enchantedself.com" target="_new">http://www.enchantedself.com. Chat with others in Dr. Holstein's e-group, groups.yahoo.com/group/encself/join" target="_new">http://groups.yahoo.com/group/encself/join, and sign up for her free e-group at www.enchantedself.com" target="_new">www.enchantedself.com. Order her book, THE ENCHANTED SELF: A Positive Therapy, or the CD-rom or tape version and her book RECIPES FOR ENCHANTMENT: The Secret Ingredient is YOU!, or the ED-rom version, at www.enchantedself.com/ordering.htm" target="_new">http://www.enchantedself.com/ordering.htm


MORE RESOURCES:

Mark Halperin's Take: The Digital President Loses Two Rounds
TIME
As a candidate, he was all high-tech cool, from Facebook to inspirational viral videos (think the Black Eyed Peas' will.i.am) to electronic voter outreach. ...

and more »


New York Times

Marveling at Wonders Out of This World
New York Times
The images on view at a remarkable exhibition at the National Air and Space Museum here could well serve as inspirational space cards for this century. ...

and more »


Inspirational pair sail through epic coastal journey
Milford Mercury
The Thorne Mason Trust also provides support and information to people affected by any type of cancer. A session takes place at Crundale Community Centre on ...



Museum to host 'USS Puffer' author
Herald Times Reporter
For more information or to register, call (920) 686-1436, or go to www.hopehousemc.org. MANITOWOC — The Manitowoc Jaycees have launched a new type of ...

and more »


Ex-New York Giants star Michael Strahan predicts strong season from Keith ...
ESPN
Seeing from afar, he was always inspirational and always played hard and one of the guys you really admire of how he handles himself on and off the field. ...



Russell Davies Appointed Head of Planning, Ogilvy EMEA
PR Newswire (press release)
I know that he will be a magnet for talent and an inspirational leader". Hugh Baillie, Chief Executive of the Ogilvy Group in the UK added: "Clients are ...

and more »


This week in Change
Salon
Frakes' group touts billboards on its website that portray a range of messages from inspirational Ronald Reagan quotes to a picture of President Obama ...

and more »


2010 Addressing Psoriasis™ Contest Winners Attend a Style Consultation with ...
PR Newswire (press release)
Entries were judged based solely on the inspirational nature of their story, and not on the entrants' use of specific treatment options. ...

and more »


Songs of Solomon Inspirational Ensemble Performs July 29 at USU
The Statesman
Harlem based performing company Songs of Solomon Inspirational Ensemble will perform a concert Thursday, July 29, in the Performance Hall on the Utah State ...

and more »


Community Calendar
Cheraw Chronicle
For more information call the YMCA at 843-623-9622. Members of the Sawmill Missionary Baptist Church will have their annual revival. ...


Google News

lincolnhsbrooklyn.com ©