Self esteem

What is self esteem? It seems like a not so well defined word that we use a lot in daily life. I see many people who think they do not have high self esteem, and it always takes some digging to find out what that means to them.

How I define self esteem is this sturdiness inside and a love for ourselves on a deep level, even with our imperfections. It's the sense that we know we are OK. The most beautiful part of knowing that we are OK is that others are OK then too- and that is very powerful for relationships and healing.

Self esteem is not thinking that we are all that, or that we are better than others, but also, we are not worse than others either. Most of the time when people come off as arrogant or act like they are very special, it's a false sense of importance in order to hide wounds and feelings of inadequacies. People with high self esteem are able to admit when they are wrong because it doesn't mean that there is something wrong with them.

People with good self esteem have compassion and understanding for themselves AND others. They are secure enough in themselves to not always having to be better but accept themselves for who they are, and conversely accept others for who they are.

Who do you know that exhibits a solid self esteem? Are there times in your life when you felt really good about yourself?

All of us have things we would like to change about ourselves, and that is OK and a lifelong project! But don't lose sight of all the good things about yourself- physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.

Focus on the positive things and they will grow. You will become sturdier inside, less likely to be thrown off balance by things, you will be more resilient and recover from set backs faster, and you will love yourself- flaws and all!