Self-esteem

Self-esteem is our innermost sense of being valued and worthy. It's something we develop over time, starting in childhood. When our caregivers give us consistent love and support, we begin to form a positive view of ourselves. This inner foundation allows us to face the world with confidence and a sense of self-worth. As we grow older, our experiences and relationships will either reinforce or erode our self-esteem. That's why it's so important to build a strong foundation early on. There are many things you can do to develop healthy self-esteem. Celebrate your successes, both big and small. Be accepting of yourself, even when you make mistakes. Seek out supportive relationships. And be mindful of the messages you're sending yourself—try to avoid putting yourself down or comparing yourself unfavorably to others. By taking these steps, you can develop a strong sense of self-esteem that will serve you well throughout your life. Self-esteem is the opinion we have of ourselves. It is based on the value we put on ourselves and how worthwhile we feel. People with healthy self-esteem feel confident and competent. They feel good about themselves most of the time and are able to cope with life's challenges. They don't compare themselves to others and accept that everyone is unique. People with low self-esteem may feel inadequate, unworthy and unlovable. They often compare themselves to others and find themselves lacking. They may try to boost their self-esteem by putting others down. Building self-esteem is about accepting yourself just the way you are. It's about recognizing your own strengths and weaknesses and valuing yourself for who you are. It's also about setting realistic goals and expectations for yourself. Creating positive experiences for yourself can also help to build self-esteem. Doing things you enjoy, such as hobbies or spending time with friends can make you feel good about yourself. If you're struggling to build self-esteem, seeking professional help can be incredibly helpful. A therapist can help you to understand the root cause of your low self-esteem and work on ways to improve it. Shelia Benjamin Inusah