You and your self-esteem!

Each of us faces trials and each of those trials shapes us into the people we are today. There is NO obstacle that cannot be overcome with strength and good ole fashion stubborness.

Thats right, I said it stubborness. You do not have to be a victim forged of circumstance! Understand that in life there will always be situations that you cannot control. What seperates is our ability to handle and learn from these situations.

If it is one thing I have learned it is when someone puts you down either physically or emotionally. Pick yourself up, dust yourself off and stand your ground. People are going to say and do whatever they wish, you can't prevent that but what you can prevent is their perception that they can get away with mistreating you and that you will take their abuse laying down. You are strong, you are powerful and no one can take that from you no matter how hard they try. Life isn't easy its a constant battle, you will constantly be shoved to the ground and verbally attacked. Speak your mind and don't EVER let anyone make you feel mediocre or less than what you are. This is truly empowering and once you get in the habit of standing up for yourself, the rest will fall into place.

If you were to ask any person, any person at all, how they felt about themselves and their life in general the response you receive may or may not be surprising to you, depending on how well you know the person. Now, the question I pose to you is...have you ever asked yourself that same question? How have you answered this question? A lot of times it is difficult to vocalize our true feelings when dealing with our own perception of ourselves.

Others may disagree with the following technique but I have found it to be theraputic as well as eye-opening....

Grab some paper and a pen (not a pencil..a pen is more permanent). Sit down in a quiet setting. The following is going to be more difficult to do than you think....

Now ask yourself, what are the things I like most about myself? What are my greatest life accomplishments? List those things as they come to mind. Its a matter of trust here, no scratching out something that has already been written or leaving anything out. Its okay to smile as you fill out this information, because you are very special and should feel good about that fact. Set this list aside once you have completed it.

Now take a deep breath and ask yourself, what are the things I dislike about myself? What have I done to bring about regret? Follow all the steps as you did when filling out the previous question. Again, no scratching out or leaving anything out. You must be honest with yourself! Once you have completed this list, study it. Analyze it and ask yourself why you feel the way you do. You may even think... 'What could be gained by this torture? I feel bad enough about myself without having it stare me in the face??' Well, here's the best part...when you are ready....destroy the list of things that you dislike about yourself and the things that have brought about regret! The only thing staring you in the face now are all the positive and wonderful things that you have achieved. These things are what matter!

No one is perfect, we all stumble but the important thing to remember is we all have within us the power to do great things and allowing ourselves to be burdened with past regret or a low opinion of ourselves is not healthy. Love who you are and be proud of all the wonderful things you have done and will do! Exude confidence and do not allow others to bring you down...more importantly do not allow yourself to bring yourself down! We are after all, our own worst critic.....

Every so often when I'm feeling a little down, I perform the following self awareness exercise and that is stand in front of the mirror and view myself as others may. Okay, I saw the sudden flash of horror in your eyes..Its okay, I've been there but the mirror is most definitely your friend.

I'll do it now for you...here is what I see...Oh yeah, I see I still need to lose a few pounds. I don't have same 125 lb. rock hard athletic body I use to have and I'm gettin' a few grey hairs here and there and good Lord are some of my parts headin' south? I give a little sigh, close my eyes and open them again and smile because standing before me is an amazing woman. A woman who is doing everything she can to be a better person. A loving wife and mother who enjoys everyday of her life to the fullest. I am caring and giving. I am opinionated but I respect myself and others. I am proud of who I am and although I am flawed and less than perfect, I embrace the newness of each day and its endless possibilities. Waking up to a new day is truly a wonderful gift and I am thankful for each day I am given! Trust me, I didn't always feel the way I do and at first you may struggle with the image you see BUT in time you will come to see the amazing and wonderful person you truly are and that everyone else sees as well...Look beyond negativity and see everything in a positive light...The amazing and powerful light that is YOU!

We all have things that interest us whether it be for physical improvement, inner beauty and peace or that merely makes us go "hey I really like this"...whatever it is and if it is in the confines of legality then DO IT!!

The only wasted life is an unlived one!