This Side of the Creek

Millions of people struggle with self-consciousness and low self-esteem. Some feel so poorly about themselves that they give up trying to take care of themselves, stop trying to reach their dreams, or take their own lives altogether.

The cause of self-consciousness and low self-esteem is different for each one of us. Maybe you grew up hearing that you are ugly, stupid, worthless, incompetent, poor, crazy, lazy, etc. Or perhaps you lost a good job or an important relationship that left you thinking, “I should have done better, tried harder and been more caring.” Regardless of the cause, men and women who constantly criticize themselves and believe they are damaged goods — not worthy of love and relationships — can deteriorate both physically and mentally.

I have yet to meet someone who thinks they are 100-percent perfect the way they are. (BTW, perfection does NOT exist and it, along with the word “should,” needs to be erased from the dictionary.) I’m certain we all have things we’d like to change about ourselves. That’s one reason millions have turned to plastic surgery, tanning beds, hair and nail salons, clothing stores, etc. We are seldom okay with the way we are and the way our lives are going.

Yes, some things we see on television can contribute to this, as can the very people who live in our communities who tell us about their children in a way that makes them seem very prestigious, wealthy and successful. “Oh he’s working for a large company in San Antonio and just bought a house.” Why is it always a “large” company?  The point is that there will always be things that keep us feeling less than when we already believe we are so.

However, there comes a point when we must start complimenting who we are now. There is nothing wrong with us. We are exactly as we were created to be, even when facing things that can lead us to believe we will never measure up. We are who we are and are where we are right now, in this moment, and that’s okay.

Take a moment to compliment yourself. I know it’s so much easier to compliment others, but you deserve the same and who better to offer those compliments than the very person who is with you 24/7?

As for me, I struggle to believe I am all of the positive things others say am I. However, today I know that I am beautiful and witty…

MC