Self-Esteem From Day One!

Unfortunately, self-esteem is not taught to all children from day one. Some children are taught unconsciously that they are not enough.

When I say “unconsciously,” I am referring to how some individuals treat children based on how they were treated as children. This can involve replicating the same treatment they received or doing the opposite. As a result, children may be taught that they are unimportant or, even worse, that they are more important than others.

When teaching children about self-esteem, it’s crucial to avoid conveying the message that they are superior to others. While parents may view their children as exceptional, it’s important to acknowledge that everyone in the world may not view them that way. No offense intended.

Self-esteem is confidence in one’s worth and abilities—respect for oneself.

The opposite of self-esteem is conceit and believing you are better than others.

So, when teaching children self-esteem, you must let them know that they are important to you and also that they are capable of so much. Please treat them with respect. Teach them to respect themselves and others. To cooperate with others. They should smile and laugh often and not overreact to a situation. To love themselves. To encourage their abilities, whatever they may be. A little boy wants to cook and encourage. A little girl wants to work with power tools, encourage. It does not matter what they are interested in, only that they are and that they are encouraged.

One way I like to encourage children is to shake their hands when I meet them. To me, it shows them respect, gives them confidence in themselves, and reassures them that they, too, are important.

Confidence

Confidence in oneself means trusting and having faith in oneself. Having trust and faith in oneself is a wonderful way to live. We trust that our decisions are right. Even if we have made a mistake, we realize it is only a mistake. It does not define us.

We are not concerned with others’ opinions of us. One thing we all must remember is that what someone thinks of us is more about themselves rather than about us. This is true whether they have positive or negative feelings toward us. They have either found something about us that they appreciate or not.

Imagine a world where every individual possesses a healthy level of self-esteem. Such a world would be more pleasant and beautiful, as people would perceive one another as equals without any superiority or inferiority complex. Rather than competition, cooperation would be the norm in such a beautiful world.

Creating a Better World Through Self-Esteem

Why is self-esteem important for a better world? If everyone had confidence in themselves, they would be more willing to cooperate with others. They would realize that working together not only builds their self-esteem but also contributes to the self-esteem of their colleagues.

Growing up, I didn’t have much confidence in myself. I’m working on improving my self-esteem, but it’s been a challenge. My mom didn’t know how to help us build self-esteem, probably because she didn’t have much of it herself. That could have to do with the fact that her father wanted to drown her because she was not a boy. Yes, her mother told her that. I have learned to have compassion for both my mother and grandmother.

When we encounter individuals with genuine self-esteem, not arrogance, it’s hard not to admire them. They exude positivity and uplift our spirits, motivating us to strive for excellence. Without realizing it, they contribute to our personal growth as human beings. They make us want to transform our lives.

Grow Your Self-Esteem!

What if no one instilled self-esteem into you? You have the ability to instill it yourself.

Have you ever taken a moment to reflect on your life and appreciate the positive aspects of yourself? There are probably many things you do that you can appreciate about yourself. It could be something as small as rounding up to donate to a charity or sharing a smile with a stranger and treating others with kindness and respect, such as speaking nicely to a cashier or server. Also, being considerate of other drivers on the road can make a significant impact. Even simple gestures like picking up litter or putting an item back on the shelf in a store can make a difference. These small acts of kindness can bring a sense of joy and satisfaction when you look at yourself in the mirror.

If you haven’t done these things, try doing them. You will be amazed at how doing good things makes you feel better about yourself. Little actions equal large appreciation.

Sharing our actions with others is unnecessary as it defeats the purpose. Seeking validation from someone else shows a lack of self-esteem.

The Gift of Giving Compliments

It’s always lovely to receive compliments, and I do think that complimenting others is a wonderful way to show appreciation. However, relying on compliments to feel valuable shows that we still need to work on our self-esteem.

One of the most valuable compliments you can receive is from yourself. This isn’t about pretending to be confident but genuinely believing in your abilities. It’s important to trust yourself and appreciate your worth. Remember to smile and acknowledge your achievements.

Challenge yourself to look into the mirror every day and give yourself a genuine compliment. Then, spread positivity by giving sincere compliments to others. Remember to mean what you say; it can make a real difference.

In my opinion, self-esteem will lead to a more generous life and a beautiful world.

Wishing you bliss!