Good day to all my readers,
It’s been a rough few weeks for me—so rough, in fact, that I had initially considered skipping this month’s blog. My work life has been hectic, and my personal life is a bit chaotic. Relationships have become complicated, and my thoughts are all over the place. I find myself indecisive about many things, feeling mentally drained and physically tired. Because of this, I was tempted to take a break and focus on some self- care.
However, while my first obligation is to myself, I also feel a strong sense of obligation to write this blog.
So, let’s get to it!
Today, I want to talk about self-esteem. When I think about self-esteem, a few things come to mind, the first being self-worth. It’s important and imperative for you to have an intrinsic sense that you deserve to be loved and respected. It’s a must to value yourself and not look for external validation. It’s crucial that know who you are, and that you own your self-love.
Next, there’s self-image, which refers to how you perceive yourself without allowing outsiders—whether societal standards or personal experiences—to distort that image.
Last but not least is self-confidence, which is your ability to believe in yourself, to take on challenges, and, regardless of the outcome, to continue believing in your abilities.
See, self-esteem is shaped by your feelings, thoughts, life experiences, and your opinion of yourself. It is an overall picture of how you view yourself. It can originate from the thoughts and words you feed yourself or from what you allow others to tell you about yourself.
We sometimes tend to measure our self-esteem by our abilities and limitations. Our self-esteem can be boosted or diminished by negative or positive affirmations. Unfortunately, a significant part of our self-esteem is built on comparison—comparing ourselves to others instead of embracing our own unique qualities.
There are good and bad, high and low, and healthy and unhealthy forms of self-esteem, but for now, let’s focus on cultivating good and healthy self-esteem.
Since our self-esteem is often established at a very young age, what others say can be detrimental to our self-image. This self-image is formed in our minds and shapes our perception, influencing how we act and how others react to us. It affects our abilities and our capacity for self-love.
Life experiences—whether at work, school, home, or in the community—should reflect a part of who we are but should not define us.
Relationships with family, friends, and others play a crucial role in shaping how we view ourselves and what we feed our inner selves.
To maintain healthy self-esteem, we must cultivate healthy relationships with parents, peers, siblings, friends, partners, teachers, and beyond.
When you have good self-esteem, you possess a strong sense of who you are, along with a balanced and accurate vision of yourself.
It’s essential to know our capabilities and recognize our limitations. We must remain cautious and aware of what we allow to penetrate and dwell in our inner selves.
Be selective about the feedback you accept; focus on positive reinforcement and constructive criticism. Think positively about yourself, speak kindly to yourself, treat others well and recognize and embrace your self-worth.
Here are a few key actions you can take to enhance your self-esteem:
- Know your capabilities.
- Compliment yourself regularly.
- Eliminate self-criticism.
- Show self-compassion.
- Appreciate yourself.
- Handle mistakes and failures positively.
- Stop comparing yourself to others.
Love yourself! Don’t let anyone convince you that you are not enough—whether it’s your intelligence, appearance, or personality. You were uniquely designed by the creator, and everything he creates is perfect and more than enough. Embrace who you are and celebrate your uniqueness.
Strive not just for contentment but for confidence in your identity. Don’t allow your mind entertain the negative thoughts and opinions others may project onto you, especially when they are struggling with their own self-esteem issues.
Remember, it is crucial to reflect on your life regularly. Strive for personal growth, nourish your mind with healthy and positive influences and nurture your self-esteem. These practices will significantly enhance your self-love.