What Would Boost Your Self Esteem?

[VioletReigns]

I'm noticing that it's the older, wiser members of the community who are saying they no longer have problems with self-esteem because they trust in the Lord.

Did you always feel this way? When you were in your 20's, did you not care about the concept of self-esteem either? Or is that something that comes with time and experience as you walk with God?

I came from a childhood of poverty and extreme abuse. I was convinced I was of less worth than inanimate objects. I honestly thought God despised me. I was so ashamed because it was drilled into my head that I was only useful as an object. I grew up to be jealous of other women because they had worth and I was just a lifeless ragdoll.

When God's love broke through to me, I was the happiest women on earth! My demeanor changed, my posture even changed and I stood up straight and tall, I was able to look people in the eyes for the first time in my life, I had no shame, no low self-esteem, nothing to prove. The best thing of all was that I was able to forget about myself and start loving others and accepting them. I learned how to be people-focused instead of being self-conscious and embarrassed all the time. WOOHOO!!! What freedom in Christ we have! Praise you, Lord!! \/

 

[Kefa54]

My past was a nightmare also. I accepted Christ at 36 years old. I didn't come from a Christian family.
SELF Esteem labels it's self. The point here is who are we in Christ. I learned who I was in Christ very soon after accepting Christ.
We are still discussing self here. Again this is about learning who we are in Christ.

"We are not broken; past or childhood suffering is not a mortal wound, and it did not irrevocably shape our destiny. We need not remove, destroy, or tear anything out of ourself in order to build something new."

"Our challenge is not to keep trying to repair what was damaged; Our practice instead is to reawaken what (Christ) is already wise, strong, and whole within us, to cultivate those qualities of heart and his spirit that is available to us in this very moment."


Kefa

 

[jeremyPJ]

Being a few inches taller would help tremendously.

 

[Olerica]

Being a few inches taller would help tremendously.

How tall are you?

 

[MadParrotWoman]

It occurred to me that the more messed-up we are in our own perception of ourselves the more likely we are to humbly fall on our knees and ask Jesus into our lives so having low self esteem helps in this way. However, once we have accepted Jesus we should no longer feel this way about ourselves - easier said than done.

I believe that all of our insecurities are born for other people's negative words or comments - this is certainly true in my case and that we should all think very carefully before we open our mouths to speak, it is the wise thing to do.

My answers were 1,7, 13 and 15. The latter being (I bet you've not heard this one before) I would like to change my voice from the high-pitched version I have which also carries a strong localised accent - Yuk!

Molly, you are a very pretty young lady! Jeremy, height is of no importance to those who matter - being in Jesus is of paramount importance!

 

[PoetMary]

Self-esteem is your general attitude toward yourself. Studies have found that high self-esteem leads to:
1. confidence in abilities
2. self acceptance
3. little/no worry about what others think
4. optimism

A lack of esteem tends to lead to:
1. a lack of confidence
2. a wish to be/look like someone else
3. constant worry about what others think
4. pessimism

But studies have also shown that high esteem is NOT a result of compliments or even a high view of ourselves. Esteem is built when we take on a challenge we're not sure we can handle and we actually manage to handle it.

So, the best way to build our self-esteem is via ACTION. Often the esteem of people will build as they develop self-discipline and begin to address particular vices in their lives (eating, drinking, lack of exercising, procrastinating, swearing, etc.) Thus, if you're lacking esteem, take on a challenge in one of these areas. Decide that you'll do some kind of exercise for 30 days straight, or fast from a particularly tempting food, or give up beer, or tackle something you've been putting off.

Studies have also shown that building esteem in one area tends to have an affect on other areas. So, you quit swearing for thirty days and then suddenly you begin to eat a little better or exercise more, etc.

And for those that are teetotling, fit, organic-only eaters, they should take on something that challenges them--training for a marathon, or learning how to cook Thai food, or retiling their bathroom, or fasting from social media.

This really does work.

 

[Lynx]

Self-esteem is your general attitude toward yourself. Studies have found that high self-esteem leads to:
1. confidence in abilities
2. self acceptance
3. little/no worry about what others think
4. optimism

A lack of esteem tends to lead to:
1. a lack of confidence
2. a wish to be/look like someone else
3. constant worry about what others think
4. pessimism

Well I'll be an ocelot's uncle! I have high self esteem! I always thought my self esteem was moderately low. I am always critiquing whatever I do. Every soundtrack I make, every batch of bread, I could always have done this different, done that a bit better.

But I fit all the first list (especially the third one, about not giving a flying flitter what most people think of me) and I don't fit any of the second list. Yay, I have high self esteem! Go me!

 

[JustAnotherUser]

So many choices within the poll that fit my answer, I don't know which to choose. So I picked other.

Better appearance, more attention from people I love/would love, generally to love and be loved, reverse or fix health issues, do better in school and be in a school that is actually worth it, a decent paying job... *Oh...and to find out what I truly believe in. I said it.