How many times has the subject of self esteem been a topic of conversation? From childhood, throughout school, at work, with your friends and family.  Your
self- esteem comes into play in every aspect of your life.
A simple definition for the word “self-esteem” is that it’s “How we feel about ourselves.”
Though Some people have mistakenly called this outlook on life egotistical or arrogant. But self-esteem includes broader and more important parts of ourselves. It is directly related to all day to day events and your life’s success.  By changing your though process,  positive thinking instead of negative thought patterns, and accentuating this with powerful actions, this could lead to a stronger and more powerful life.

Many would argue that “You are what you think”.  But really, if you think negatively is this not how you come to feel? Those with high self esteem and a positive self image are able to realize their potential and live their dreams out in a way that they never could have before. High self-esteem is created within a wonderful feeling of inner-balance, self-acceptance and a healthy, comforting self-respect.

By learning how to trust in your beliefs and behaviors, “your gut feeling”, you can bring inner peace to your life and the ability to not absorb all the judgments and negativity that revolve around us on a daily basis.  It’s also about getting to understand how this knowledge fits together and how it relates to us, personally, so we can use it in a way that helps us, because it takes into account all the facts about the particular situation we find ourself in. Many people, when they suffer from self-esteem have a misguided belief that they do not deserve to be successful or happy in life. This kind of disbelief is not only unhealthy, but it can throw your mind into chaos and keep you from ever achieving any sense of peace.

Taking care of our self-esteem requires some effort and courage, but it’s well worth it.
Here are a few ways to develop and strengthen your self-esteem:

• Clearing exercise: List all of the negative beliefs that you have about yourself. Declare if they are facts or interpretations, then take a powerful stand and dispose of the list. You can practice this on a daily basis to begin your day with this exercise to begin you day from a powerful place.
• Write a list of what you are grateful for at the beginning of every day.
• List at least 10 of your positive attributes and talents.
• Make a list of things that make you smile and that you love to do.
• List 5 things that you would love to attempt that would take you out of your comfort zone
• Clear out the clutter. The “stuff” that you have acquired and words, things that were   said that have a negative association attached to it from anyone that you have had any association with.
• Eat well and exercise on a regular basis.  Stay away from unhealthy and “feeling bad” food.
• Take time to do things that you enjoy.
• Dress in clothes that make you feel good about yourself.
• Do something nice for someone on a regular basis.  The Pay It Forward theory.
• Acting on these these strategies will make it easier to get through the tough times. Whenever you feel low or down, go back and read these strategies, take a deep breath a say “I am worth it.”  Remember, this too shall pass.  But if none of these strategies work over time, other factors may be at play that are beyond the scope of this article.

We have the ability to make the choice to keep us from negative stress and burnout.
If you really love yourself, you will be truly able to love other people. You are in the driver’s seat!