A few stray thoughts about self-esteem A few stray thoughts about self-esteem

I scribbled these thoughts down as I walked 2 the library ... late March 2010 ...

It seems 2 me that true self-esteem ought NOT 2 depend on things that some people have while others do not. I am talking about physical attractiveness, intelligence or achievements etc

It is hard 2 get at the true source of esteem without getting all spiritual - qualities such as compassion, wisdom, forgiveness which we all potentially possess ... there was a good point in there somewhere ...

Consider the case of you going blind - would looks matter then?

A few links:

Search 4 true self esteem

That alone is heaps 2 read ...

Self esteem ought not 2 depend on physical attractiveness, intelligence etc

A spiritual perspective on this issue

Found this site from an earlier search

This site is spot on - 'fake self esteem' comes from external approval

Traits of healthy self-esteem also makes good points

People with healthy self-esteem accept themselves for whom they are now and where they are in life. They love and accept others as they are � they truly are capable of loving others unconditionally. They don�t have an inner need to change anyone else. They understand that they can only change themselves. Therefore they continually work on improving themselves � because they understand that change is constant.

Excellent list of resources

How 2 boost your self esteem

Persons of high self esteem are not driven to make themselves superiors to others, they do not seek to prove their value by measuring themselves against a comparative standard. Their joy is being who they are, not in being better than someone else.

~ Nathaniel Branden

Could plug that into Google

Leads us 2 that same author:

There is overwhelming evidence that the higher the level of self esteem, the more likely one will treat others with respect, kindness, and generosity. People who do not experience self-love have little or no capacity to love others.

Then 4 some reason I am reminded of this code of ethics - esp the bit about those who are lost

Very interesting article

And how about the Biblical view

Knowing that God values you gives you absolute, unshakable value. It gives you a stable, healthy esteem for yourself and for others equally.

Self esteem & spirituality

Dear Lord, help me speak courteously to everyone, including myself. And when I make a mistake, help me to forgive myself quickly and thoroughly, just as I forgive others. Amen

Here is a large & searchable site

Nathaniel again ...

Just as a healthy immune system does not guarantee that one will never become ill, but makes one less vulnerable to disease and better equipped to overcome it, so a healthy self-esteem does not guarantee that one will never suffer anxiety or depression in the face of life's difficulties, but makes one less susceptible and better equipped to cope, rebound and transcend.

Affirmations for Health, Wellness and Healing

Continuin the theme

This one caught my eye:

I love and accept myself unconditionally.

I approve of myself and feel great about myself.

I radiate love and respect and in return I get love and respect.

I am a well loved and well respected person.

I am a cultured and wise and yet, a humble person.

My high self esteem enables me to respect others and beget respect in turn.

I am free to make my own choices and decisions.

I am a unique and a very special person and worthy of respect of others.

My high self esteem allows me to accept compliments easily and also freely compliment others.

I accept others as they are and they in turn accept me as I am.

It matters little what others say. What matters is how I react and what I believe.

All is well in my world and I trade love and acceptance with the world.

I have high self esteem as I respect myself.

I deserve all that is good. I release any need for misery and suffering.

I release the need to prove myself to anyone as I am my own self and I love it that way.

I am solution minded. Any problem that comes up in life is solvable.

I am never alone. The universe supports me and is with me at every step.

My mind is filled only with loving, healthy, positive and prosperous thoughts which ultimately are converted into my life experiences.

My mind is full of gratitude for my lovely and wonderful life.

I consciously release the past and live only in the present. That way I get to enjoy and experience life to the full.

At that same site - details on how 2 best use affirmations & positive thinking

More affirmations

I am learning to love myself unconditionally, just as God loves me, with patience & with trust

And from a litttle-known book called Soulfood:

The most important thing you can do is love yourself for who you are right now. Don't put it off until you're more patient, thinner, less irritable, more loving or wahtever it is you want to improve about yourself. The fact is you are not and will never be perfect. The things you're dealing with are necessary for your learning and growth, so embrace them and love yourself for who you are right now. You might even find the things you don't like about yourself will take care of themselves.

Heaven Letter about playing well :)

Learning 2 love yourself

Speaking of loving thoughts ...

A couple of quotes about self confidence

Leads us 2 an interesting page of quotes about wisdom

Absolutely love the plodder :)

From an earlier search

Make it a habit 2 think positively (about yourself)

More about spiritual practice

Includes this guide

Interesting piece includes why affirmations fail

Got me lookin 4 more sites on that theme

With this being among the results

Another huge searchable site

The benefits of positive thinking - also check out the searches listed at the bottom of the list!

I feel happy on my journey of self-discovery

Top Ten Facts about Low Self Esteem

Came from this search which tosses up a few

Tips for Self-Confidence - at the fabulous Beliefnet site - also tips on coping with depression

For example!

Another excellent piece at that site

The problem & solution lie within you

Positive Steps to a More Fulfilling Life

Several recommended books

How 2 improve self confidence

Continuing that general theme

Tips 4 staying out of depression

Uplifting quotes 4 a depressed heart

Ways 2 improve your emotional health

Life laws from Dr Phil

Spirituality & our thoughts

Quotes about being in the moment

Huge collection of gems - some about self-esteem

Leads us 2 this declaration of self-esteem

I know there are aspects about myself that puzzle me, and other aspects that I do not know. But as long as I am friendly and loving to myself, I can courageously and hopefully, look for solutions to the puzzles ...

Making every moment count

How 2 make a better world

Story about transformation

4 some reason I am reminded of this poem :)

For peace of mind, practice forgiveness

Takes us to this collection of quotes

It's all about attitude

Each difficult moment can open my heart - very true!

Advice on love from Neale

Eckhart Tolle on why people aren't at peace - scroll down 2 'Listen to people's stories'

Depression busters 4 the unemployed

Interesting DVD I wouldn't mind gettin my hot little hands on

How 2 live in the moment & other advice

Transforming fear

Techniques 4 Spiritual Evolution - also sign up for an email newsletter

That incomparable Acacia ward experience from 1999 :)

If you DON'T learn to control your negative feelings, you will pay with your PHYSICAL as well as mental health

www.courageoussouls.com

Site with loads about Eckhart - including a few interviews

Life is neither a question to be answered nor a problem to be solved. It is a total mystery, and no amount of intellectual exercise will ever demystify or explain it. Defying all simple logic, it�s an inexplicable paradox. The more we live, the more we know life; but the more we know, the more life proves to be a mystery.

Comes from this excellent site

Quotes 2 boost your self-esteem

From the Heartlight site - and it is searchable!

It'a ALL in how you look at things

Laws of the great spirit

How about a little compassion

Guess what! - more of Eckhart's thoughts on self-worth

Continuing the theme - the ultimate truth of who you are

Advice on journaling - loads of stuff at that site!

... such as these articles about being still

Wisdom about how 2 live in this world

Leads 2 this search about God & love

Suggestion from my psychologist - watch your thoughts like leaves on a stream :)

My illness is NOT my identity

Transforming problems

Holistic approach 2 healing depression

Quotes about meditation - quite a few!

How do you feel?

www.becomefearless.org

The mystery of our ego

Tips on overcoming negative emotions from an old pal :)

Mindfulness in Everyday Life

Everybody needs friends

Stop balming others 4 the way you are feeling

Obstacles to Inner Peace

Feel your inner body

Leads us 2 make this search

Happy 4 no reason :)

Exercise your imagination

Simple ways 2 becoming a happier person

Most of us don't breathe deeply enough

A common misperception about enjoyment

The meek shall inherit the earth - I highly recommend this book!

Also see some searches in late April 2010 - Just 4 example ... scroll down 2 'once you KNOW what it is like 2 be overwhelmed by negative emotion you can only feel compassion 4 those who continue 2 suffrer from it!' - under April 29 & 30

The real key to peace of mind, health, wealth and happiness

Greetings from the God of love continues the theme :)

How about compassion for psychopaths?

The Sedona Method is a simple, powerful, easy-to-learn technique that shows you how to let go of any negative, unwanted or painful feelings you may be experiencing at any particular moment.

Continuing the general theme

Tips 4 lasting happiness

Excerpt from what 2 do when your life falls apart

June 2010 update -

Affirmations about unconditional love

Oh there were more sites ... oh well :)

Came from this search using Alta Vista

Quantum wellness has some useful tips too!

You might also care 2 visit this recent page of mine