Do you focus on your flaws and failures, rather than your positive attributes and accomplishments?Low self-esteem can result in a distorted self-image that can feed depression.
Most people feel bad about themselves from time to time. Temporary feelings of low self-esteem may be triggered by being treated poorly by someone else recently or in the past, or by a person's own judgments of him or herself. Low self-esteem is a constant companion for too many people, especially those who experience depression. If you go through life feeling bad about yourself needlessly, low self-esteem keeps you from enjoying life, doing the things you want to do, & working toward personal goals.
I am one to practice positive self talk. I can talk myself into feeling like Miss America on some days. Not that I ever will be but it is the act of filling my head space with good stuff so the bad stuff can not fit. Some have heard me on the "soap box" of positive self talk & not allowing anyone to bring you down. Why do we hand over our emotions to the negative words of others? Stop giving in to the negative people. Do they deserve that much control over your life? Stick & Stones....
Well, if self talk is not in your comfort zone then try making lists, rereading them often, & rewriting them from time to time. The process will help you to feel better about yourself. If you have a journal, you can write your lists there. If you don't, any piece of paper will do.
Make a list of :
At least 5 of your strengths, for example, persistence, courage, friendliness, creativity
At least 5 things you admire about yourself, for example, the way you have raised your children, your good relationship with someone, or your spirituality
The 5 greatest achievements in your life so far, like recovering from a serious illness, weight loss, or competing in a sporting event
At least 20 other accomplishments — they can be as simple as learning to tie your shoes, to getting an advanced college degree, or learning to use a computer
10 ways you can "treat" or reward yourself that don't include food and that don't cost anything, such as walking in woods, window-shopping, or chatting with a friend
10 things you can do to make yourself laugh
10 things you could do to help someone else
Things that you do that make you feel good about yourself
It is time to take a look inside yourself & discover the wonderful & beautiful you. The one God created & the one that is my friend.
