Self Esteem: What is Self-Esteem?

Self-Esteem must be defined in the context discussed because there is no true 'standard' definition. It means different things to different people. 

I think most would define it as self-worth, which is my definition as well, but most would also associate achievement with the elevation of self-esteem. 

While I agree that achievement helps, (your perception of yourself can shift somewhat with achievement which is what happened to me) if you wait on social values and achievement to define it for you, you could be tossed and turned with the waves of change. 

This is why I feel strongly that true self-esteem has to come from within.  This is more of a spiritual concept.  For example, if my self-esteem was based on my profession as a physician and surgeon, I would be in trouble right now. 

Doctors no longer hold the elevated social stature that we did 20 years ago. Thank goodness I don't connect my worth as a person with what I do.  As I have grown spiritually, I've come to believe that my value is from my connection to what I call God.  I am worthy because I exist. 

Do you ever wonder why we so easily think negatively about ourselves?  Granted, human beings can do horrific things, but we can also do amazingly unselfish, beautiful things as well.  Why all the attention to negativity?  This is a clue.  It all begins with the way you think. 

As Shakespeare said, 'Nothing is either good or bad, only thinking makes it so'.  It really boils down to social norms and relativity.  If you listen from within, you will find that 'moral compass' as we all have a natural conscience that guides us. 

If you look outside of your self for definition, your life will be filled with instability. Your conscience can even get intellectually 'reset' so to speak.  You may start to take on the values of your environment instead of trusting your own guidance. 

This is the beginning of a life full of judgment of self and others.  Without a sense of spirituality and personal growth, admittedly, my concept of self-esteem would be difficult to achieve, as the premise for it is based in who you are as a Spiritual Being. 

Hence, if you want inner peace and relief from the turmoil of others judging you, you will have to change your thinking.  In other words, adopt a new paradigm for your understanding of self-esteem.

Comments

[what is self-esteem]

I think Shakespeare is right. There is no such a thing that good or bad it's your approach which makes it pleasant or not really desirable.
The same with movies or books. You can get something out of any type of movies or literature. It's up to you what to embrace and go on with.
There is always, always something useful in everything we encounter.
Notice the little treasures and miracles you face every day and use it as you need it.
I like your site by the way. So many new, useful information almost on a daily basis.
Keep up the good work.
I am watching.:)))

[Valencia Ray]

Thank you for your words of encouragement!

[Linda]

I also tried to tell myself that I am worthy simply because I exist. Then I wonder, still, aren't some people more valuable than others? Some people drive the world forward, and some people destroy it. Some people slack off their whole lives and don't make much of themselves or their talents. Others work really hard and create incredible things for themselves and society.

So I wonder, are we all equally worthy and valuable?

And if not, then even if I am worthy - am I enough???

[Valencia Ray]

I love your comments! I must admit that I had to unload many self sabotaging thoughts about myself before I could get to this place of feeling worth because I breath. And I must add that it is my Spiritual practice that is the basis for this conclusion, it comes from my heart, my Spirit, not my intellect. Linda, think about a play. A theater performance has many different types of archetypal characters. It is what makes the play interesting and a learning experience in the first place. There has to be a villain if only to show what a hero looks like! Everyone has a role that they are playing based on their consciousness and belief system. They are all still pieces of the whole 'play'. Sometimes the 'negative' aspects of people inspire the whole society to shift and change for the better. This is part of the mystery of life. I certainly don't have all the answers, but it is this sense of 'not enough' and 'unworthy' that is driving many people to act out their anger and self-hatred onto other people. I can tell you that as I started dealing with MYSELF and taking my eyes off of what others were doing, I dealt with what I could do to make the planet better and I WENT TO WORK ON HEALING MY OWN MIND. As I feel more and more self acceptance, I see other people with compassion and I have more for myself as well. In Quantum Physics, my energy contribution to the 'Holographic Field' will help in its own small way to raise the vibration of the planet. World peace will have to begin with changing our minds and paradigms. There is a saying that is true, even from a scientific standpoint, 'when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change'. Think about that! (smile)