Oh yes you are, Oh no I’m not!

This may be the start of a pantomime (more later) but is actually a serious comment about you.

I believe you are special. I know that without ever meeting you. You might not agree. But you are unique, there is nobody else the same as you.

The reason you may not agree is probably down to low self esteem (SE). This is important because SE influences people’s choices and decisions. Thus it has a direct bearing on our overall well being. But what is SE and how can it be improved?

Basically SE is how you think about yourself. Are you confident that you make the right decisions about yourself? Do you have self compassion? It seems it is often easier to show more compassion to someone else than yourself.

How do we increase our SE? Well, Moodscope really does help. I think that when Moodscopers communicate there is often a mutual desire to help each other. Consequently SE’s are improved. For example if a member writes a blog post, a fellow member may comment “I enjoyed your post and I can relate the subject matter to my own life. Thanks” This makes the writer feel they have done something worthwhile that is appreciated by others. A deserved boost to SE.

Much research has been done on SE including how to improve it. I have reviewed some of this and I have listed below 7 of the most common ideas for improvement ( in no particular order):

- Prepare a self esteem inventory. List 5 of your main strengths and weaknesses.

- Set realistic expectations. Use small realistic goals.

- Explore yourself. Be at peace with who you are.

- Say “stop” to inner critic.

- Take 2 minute self appreciation breaks.

- Be kinder towards other people.

- Be your own best friend.

In relation to the above I came across these 2 quotes:

“Until you value yourself, you won’t value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it” (M Scott Peck).

“You have been criticising yourself for years and it hasn’t worked. Try approving yourself and see what happens” (Louise L Hay).

At the end of the day there is low self esteem or high self esteem. Which teem do you want to play for?

Teg

A Moodscope member.

PS I nearly forgot to tell you what happened after the pantomime had finished. The panto horse went to the bar for a drink. The barman said “Would you like a pint?” The horse replied “No, two halves!” Cue: Laughter, grin, smile, grimace, groan.