BellaOnline Forums Beauty and Self Self Development Let's find self esteem....

LOL, well I did go and exercise and I was wondering why it was alittle bit harder this morning...Holly...LOL And in answer to your question about what I paint, its furniture, murals and watercolors. Id love to hear more about yours also. This is such a wonderful site. So many nice people to share thoughts with. I will be here as much as posible, Im interested in conquering this bugaboo of the self esteem issue. I think of all the accomplishments Ive made in life and I still have the thoughts that I have to be better. And its true we need to be our own best friend. Cant wait to learn more from everyone!

Here is probably a typical self esteem scenario: It has just gotten dark out and i sensed my mood changing. I think, have i done enough today? ...and start feeling like i haven't accomplished enough and i'm not good enough and why would anyone love me. I mean, i'm not totally beating myself up, but i just noticed the mood change so i'm going to examine it and i know it's a pattern i need to interrupt if i'm going to improve my self esteem.

Well, i DID get a bit done today... not that i should have to get things done to earn my right to live today, right? So where do we get this idea that we have to measure up? Can't i just be loving to myself and like myself as i am? Does any of this sound familiar?

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Jennifer, i've done a little bit of everything in art, but mostly figure drawing, acrylic on canvas (different topics), b&w photography and calligraphy. I started sorting through my art supplies today and checking especially on the watercolor materials, because i want to start that up again and also the calligraphy. There is a gallery here that wants to sell a little of my stuff, but i'll need to start making it again! Time to clear out the old and start new stuff. I've also been asked to teach painting and paper mache this summer. I thought i might try to draw or paint a small watercolor or do a calligraphy piece each day... maybe that's a bit ambitious, hahaha. How about you, Jennifer?

I think you'll enjoy a new article posted on our Self Development site - The Basics of Self-Esteem - here's the link: The Basics of Self-Esteem

Enjoy!

~Sharon

Thank you, Sharon. Nice article. I'm sure it does help to sit down and write lists of accomplishments or look at photos, etc. but i've done this and it seems to go only a little way to help. Most of our self esteem seems to happen or not happen in those many ways we talk to ourselves or make decisions throughout each day as things come up. For instance, how often have we said yes to something we really did not want to do, and in so doing taught ourselves that someone else's wants are always more important than our own? And how many times do we do something well enough but make a comment in our heads to criticize what we did because it wasn't perfect? I think we have to address these habits if we're going to make much progress. Don't you?

Great articles; I am will be doing the exercises!

Enhancing self-esteem is a day-to-day process and some days are better than others.

How well you treat yourself everyday will make an huge impact on your self-esteem.

Take everything in bite-sized pieces - one step at a time. Some progress is better than no progress.

How about deciding to do one self-esteem enhancing activity a day. Positive self-talk, get your hair done, listen to self development materials, etc.

Praise yourself at the end of the day for having a great day!

What a great forum!


My self-esteem seems to go down when I let things I need to get done fall behind schedule. The unfinished "stuff" builds up and it puts a gloomy feeling on everything.

I have to literally make myself go on a run. (Which I am not always successful at doing.) When I finally get out and run, it seems to make the whole day a little brighter, even if it's cold and rainy . I then find the energy to slowly tackle my "unfinished list".

I guess I should get of my derierre and run! Hmmm.

Yes, i'm also trying to exercise every day as part of my self-care.

What other kinds of things might signify progress?