Self-respect

Many of us have problems with low self-esteem as a result of the impressions we gained through life. Having a healthy self-esteem does not mean having a big ego, but feeling safe in your own skin, accepting all yours imperfections and uncertainties and having a realistic picture of yourself. Something like that does not come by itself, but requires making changes that will help build a healthy self-esteem.

The first change that you need to master is to learn to say ‘no’. It often happens that we are doing some of the things because we think it will please others. Putting others’ interests before your own means other people are more important than yourself. Determine your priorities and say no to what you do not want to do and you will make each subsequent ‘yes’ to have a higher value, so you will begin to appreciate your time and effort.

Express your views and opinions. When you are retaining all in yourself, in fact you say that you are worth less than others. You have a voice to be heard, so use it to show others that you are here. This does not mean that you need to take it out on the people around you, but the next time you are asked for your opinion, get a new idea or you know a better way to solve a problem you need to communicate with the environment, because your vote is worth the same as and someone else’s.

Dedicate yourself to your hobbies and activities you enjoy. You never know what awaits you and when what you do on the side, in your free time, can turn into something bigger. Go back to college, enter the cooking class, read a book, start to play an instrument, play sports or go to the school of foreign languages. Each of us has a talent that makes us special, and when you go to share it with the world, others will recognize it and your confidence will be built day by day.

Be careful with yourself. Make sure you feed your body with good food. Be active and focus on exercise to maintain a healthy body, and soon the results will positive affect your self-image. Dedicate yourself on what makes you happy, and surround yourself with people who inspire you and bring out the best to you. Kindness and a smile addressed to a stranger on the street or your own reflection in the mirror will turn all on the positive side, and fix your self-image.

Learning to love yourself is important for our overall functioning, life satisfaction, personal well-being and self-image. But how can we achieve it?

I know that it may not be so simple and quick process: We often say that we love ourselves, but our actions, reactions and way of life speak otherwise. To love yourself is critical for your personal development, fulfilling your dreams, developing healthy, fulfilling relationships.

How to learn to love yourself more?

Instead of saying that you love yourself, try to be more compassionate to yourself through these practical steps:

Take care of yourself as you care for others

It sounds pretty simple, but many of us do not do this because they believe that this way we are selfish or that our needs are not important. They are important! It is not selfish to take care of yourself. Compassion means showing concern for your feelings as well as for other people. Treat yourself the way you would treat your children or best friend – with tenderness, attention and care.

Keep to your limits

Make a list of things you need emotionally, things that are important to you, that disturb you or hurt your feelings. This may include to be heard; to get support when you are hurt; to celebrate when you succeed at something; to get love and tenderness without request; to know that you can rely on someone. All that’s important to you, it is important! And when someone ignores the things that are important to you or crosses your boundaries, you know – because you are harmed. Do not ignore it. Your feelings are telling you what is right and what is wrong.

Show what your limits are to the people around you and what you will tolerate or not. If they apologize to you, you can forgive them. If they do not do that, or continue to ignore your limits and needs, you should set consequences for that. For example, if you tell your partner that you need to be listened when you talk about something, but he/she constantly ignores you or tells you to go through it, you can respond with appropriate measures, such as to find another person that you trust. Also, you can examine the relationship.You should receive love, acceptance and respect in your relationship as much as you give to the other person. By doing activities that meet your needs and being assertive, you are boosting your confidence because you strengthen your beliefs for yourself and others, that you deserve to be loved and treated well.

Do what you need to be yourself

First, find out what it is that makes you feel good. No matter what it is, become aware of how you feel when you do those things. Do you feel exhausted at work, but relaxed when you work in the garden? Do you feel joyful when you read to your children? Are you satisfied when you are writing poetry or do voluntary work? Discover what it is that makes you feel good and do it as often as possible. Do what you want and do not let anyone to blame you for it.

All these things will help you develop a sense of self actualization, self-esteem and self-evaluation, that you are talented, capable individual who deserves love. The person who is most important to believe in is you!

How to build a healthy self-confidence

How to learn to love yourself?