This week in March, there are some quirky and fun days of observance this week. There is a day for “everything that you think is wrong” (March 15), “everything that you think is right” (March 16), “absolutely incredible kid” (March 17), “awkward moments day” (March 18), and “let’s laugh day” (March 19).
I enjoy these lighthearted days and try to use them as a way to connect my holistic coaching business to our lives. Improving your well-being is improving your life. And life does not happen in some neat and tidy vacuum; it’s filled with days, moments, and choices.
As I was brainstorming, mind-mapping, and jotting notes about these days and what I thought I could share about them, I noticed that a common thread was self-esteem. Everything you think is wrong is a day to reflect on the imperfections of all of us. This makes us each unique and is one thing that we all have in common in with others. That is followed by a day to realize that those imperfections are okay and so many other things are right or can go right for you. Boosting the self-esteem of a special kid is a no-brainer! On to a day to make sure those awkward or embarrassing moments do not sting too badly, self-esteem is needed. And a day for laughing–well you should be able to laugh at yourself and that definitely takes self-esteem!
Acceptance is Key
When you accept yourself with all of your flaws and unique talents, the world seems to become a more accommodating place. You’ll find that some of the causes of your stress disappear and you can gain more joy on a daily basis.
Accepting yourself completely entails courage, wisdom and compassion. If you’re plagued by negative emotions such as anxiety, jealousy, shame, anger, envy, or guilt, these may be signs of low self-esteem. To counter this, you can learn radical self-acceptance.
If you find yourself equating your worth with your achievements, love life or social status, what happens if these are someday diminished? After all, these are temporary conditions. Life has its ups and downs. Practicing self-acceptance will help prevent your self-worth from hinging on your current situation.
How Low Self-Esteem Can Hinder Self-Acceptance
If you have low self-esteem, you can get mired in refusal to accept your own uniqueness and capability for transformation. You may be a perfectionist, and when things don’t go well, you often tell yourself that you’re not good enough. It becomes a vicious cycle of negative self-fulfilling prophecies.
So, what can you do to turn this around?
Suppose you start to appreciate the world around you. Then you’re aware of your place. You realize that just as others are important to your well-being, your existence supports others, too. Since appreciation is a prerequisite for self-esteem, you’re now well on your way to self-acceptance.
How to Develop Self-Acceptance
To develop self-acceptance, you must believe in your intrinsic worth and uniqueness. There’s no one else in the world quite like you and you’re constantly changing and developing. Your value cannot be measured by how others perceive you.
You’re also aware of the fallibility of human nature. No one is perfect. Even enlightened souls such as Christ and The Buddha had to struggle to achieve their goals. Likewise, you must also work to improve yourself. Let this be your joy.
When you make a mistake, refrain from judging yourself. Resist labeling yourself as a failure or a bad person because of past errors. You wouldn’t label your child a failure or a loser because he failed a test. Be compassionate with yourself too.
Accept Your Mistakes and Move On
When you review your mistakes, you may feel remorse and disappointment, but these are healthy reactions. They’ll help you to change your behavior to something you like better.
Remorse and disappointment are different from self-condemnation, which can lead to depression, guilt and shame. These unhealthy emotions may cause you to give up or avoid facing your mistakes. Instead, look toward what you can do to change your actions next time.
Raise the Self-Esteem Bar
Keep reading so you’ll learn the following:
- How raising your self-esteem can help establish your independence
- How raising your self-esteem can help ensure you retain your independence
- How to raise your self-esteem – basic practices to get you started
Raising Self-Esteem Boosts Your Confidence
The major way that raising self-esteem can make you independent is by boosting your confidence. The more confident you are, the more independent you’re going to want to be. It will inspire you to not only insist on your independence but demand you get it.
As you boost your self-esteem and you become more confident, you’ll find that you have more of a command over your independence.
Raising Self-Esteem Establishes What You Deserve
With higher self-esteem, you’ll find that you have a better understanding of what it is that you deserve. You’ll find yourself settling less and less and truly going after what it is you want in life. You won’t let others control you, treat you poorly, or take advantage you.
Understanding what it is you deserve in life will help you become more independent. You deserve to make your own decisions, live your life how you want to, and enjoy your independence. When you have higher self-esteem and a better understanding of what you deserve, you don’t settle for anything less.
Having Higher Self-Esteem and More Confidence Helps You Retain Your Independence
When you have higher self-esteem and the influx of confidence that comes along with that, you demand that you retain your independence. You don’t stand for people taking control over what you want, what you do, or any part of your life. You demand the independence you worked so hard to gain.
Being independent means more than paying your own bills; it is about minimizing outside influence. Working to raise your self-esteem helps to not only affirm your independence but also ensure that it doesn’t go anywhere and no one infringes upon yours.
How to Raise Your Self-Esteem
Now that you know what raising your self-esteem can do for you, it’s time to put the work in to actually raise it. The following are great starter practices to turn into a routine that will boost your self-esteem in no time:
Affirming Your Worth
Throughout your day, give yourself a pep talk in the mirror. Tell yourself what you’re worth, who you are, and what you deserve. Remind yourself that you are strong, incredible, and valuable. You’re a unique person with great, unique things to offer this world; remind yourself that regularly.
Refusing to Settle
You deserve nothing but the best in life. You don’t deserve to be treated worse, have less, or be in any way lesser. You must absolutely refuse to settle for anything less than you deserve if you ever hope to affect a change in your self-esteem, confidence, and independence.
Sticking to Your Guns
You have to stick with these efforts and routines for a longer period of time if you ever hope to accomplish your goals in raising your self-esteem and claiming your independence once and for all. Don’t let yourself back-petal. Maintain the progress you’ve made and continue pushing forward.
Raising your self-esteem can most certainly help you boost your confidence, claim your independence, and retain it. Through the efforts made to improve your self-esteem, you will see a vast improvement in your quality of life and mental health. So, what are you waiting for? Get started today.
Try the Daily Top 4
This week, I will be sharing a few tips to go along with the observance day! Follow along on Instagram here and try to put them into practice!
- Tuesday, March 15: Affirmations for Self-Acceptance
- Wednesday, March 16: Practical Tips to Boost Self-Esteem
- Thursday, March 17: Kid-approved Confidence Builders
- Friday, March 18: Level-up your Self-talk
- Saturday, March 19: Affirmations for More Laughs
Leslie Jordan Wellness 