Self-esteem is the cornerstone for feeling happier. Without it, any happiness we experience will usually be dependent on things we can’t control – like how others behave and what goes on in the world around us.
But nobody teaches us how to have self-esteem. So how do we go about getting some?
Strengthening our sense of self-worth can often be a challenging journey. We’re trying to break habits we’ve been developing since our early years.
So, to help along the way, and hopefully provide some inspiration, here are 7 of my favourite musings on self-esteem.
“How you treat yourself is how others will treat you.“
If you don’t look after yourself, the outside world will spot it – and make assumptions about how you want to be treated. “Do unto yourself as you would have others do unto you,” might make a good motto?
“No one can make you feel inferior, without your consent.“ Eleanor Roosevelt.
I throw this one back at myself, every time I catch myself grumbling about something someone else has said or done to upset me – and it works! It’s about taking back your personal power and accepting responsibility for how you feel.
“Only you can make the decision on how bad you’re going to feel.“
And while we’re on the topic of choosing how we feel, we’re the only ones who can decide how deep that trough goes!
“All criticism is borne of someone else’s pain.“ Native American saying.
If someone has a go at you, it’s because they’re hurting inside and don’t want to face it. Think about it, when we’re in a happy mood, full of sunshine and smiles, we don’t go around criticising others, do we? So that’s a great excuse not to take it personally…
“Don’t bother waiting for others to respect you.“
If you wait for others to respect you, you’ll have a long wait. People pick up a lack of self-respect just like a dog can sniff out fear. And it’s tough to earn others’ respect if you haven’t yet given it to yourself yet.
“Forgiveness is the key to feeling good.“
Holding on to resentment and anger keeps you trapped in the pattern of negative emotions that leaves you feeling bad. Forgiving the other person for their behaviour doesn’t mean letting them off. It’s about setting yourself free from the pain and moving on. And remember, the last one we get round to forgiving is ourself.
“Self-respect is about acting with integrity.“
It’s not about how you look, how clever you are or how great your job is. Self-respect is about being able to fall asleep at night with a clear conscience; knowing you have acted with integrity, kindness and compassion during your day; knowing you were true to who you really are.
What are your top tips and secret strategies for self-esteem? How about sharing them via the comments box, below?
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