Healthy Self-Esteem

What is self-esteem?

Self-esteem is how you feel about yourself. Do you feel that you have the abilities and inner strength to deal with the ups and downs of life? Do you respect yourself and do you act responsibly? Do you like yourself? Do you think you are decent person even though you are not perfect (nobody's perfect). Do you try to do your best with the strengths and weaknesses that you have been given? If so, you have a healthy or positive self-esteem.

Two ingredients of healthy self-esteem:

1. Worth-You feel that you have value and worth as a person just by virtue of "being", not doing or accomplishing. You have a God given right to be here and are entitled to happiness.
   A person with healthy self-esteem and a positive self image would be able to assess themselves and would say : "I feel that am a good person. I enjoy my own company. I feel worthy of receiving love."
   
   
2. Competence: You are aware of your abilities and talents as well as your strengths. You can assess and take an inventory of your personality and say about yourself: I am a capable individual. I can think, work and carry on relationships (even though getting good at relationships is tough and takes a lifetime). I have one or more of the following personality traits: happy, friendly, giving, compassionate, a good listener, gutsy, sensitive, warm, reliable, loyal.....name a few of your own.....If you did add to this list then you feel you have the competence to live a meaningful life.