Self Esteem!

The word self esteem is derived from a Latin word which means “estimate”. It is the ratio of our successes to our potential. It is how we feel about ourselves. It is a function of age, gender, our socio economic status and body image. Though the definitions of self esteem may show variations in breadth and sophistication, yet we can broadly define it as our ability to cope with the challenges coming our way during the course of life. It may sometimes be regarded as our positive attitudes towards the life, how we value ourselves, how much are convinced we of our abilities and capacities, and how much competent do we see ourselves. It is how does “I” evaluate in totality the components of “Me”!

Many researchers have come to brand the concept as a “Social Vaccine”. It empowers an individual and keeps inoculating a person against self defeating thoughts and behaviours.

Those with the required amount of self esteem value and appreciate themselves. They are less likely to indulge in destructive activities like child abuse, drug abuse, violence and crime. They are neither conceited nor obnoxious. They know the difference between being aggressive and being assertive. Girls having self esteem are less likely to become pregnant at a very young age!

Low esteem, on the other hands leads to negative thinking and lack of confidence in us. Low esteem is directly proportional to unhappiness, depression and insecurities. Our inner voice nags us, criticizes and ridicules us in everything we do or during every decision we make. Challenges then become “uncrossable hurdles”. But one positive aspect of low self-esteem is that it may help us to work hard to overcome our complexes and inferiorities. It can then motivate us to develop strengths or some unique attributes as a means of compensation.

Developing self esteem would help in building a resilient character in us where we would be able to bounce back to active life from adversities.

Family can play a major and active role in building of self esteem in a child. Feelings of being loved, admired or valued contribute towards increasing self esteem in us. Positive responses from our near ones help us to feel worthy. It cannot be taken or given; it has to be earned. We need to accept our weaknesses and should stop underrating ourselves. We need to forgive our own mistakes. Laughing at ourselves instead of laughing at others would increase our self esteem.

Our worth as a human being does not only mean they we need to be the smartest, the most beautiful, the most intelligent or having a perfect body. Never let your self esteem plummet…

We need to create a positive aura around us with right dosage of “Self Esteem”!

We need to celebrate ourselves…celebrate being alive!!