Self-esteem is something we all struggle with. We all have false beliefs about ourselves, and that’s just what they are-FALSE. So, why is it so hard to feel self-esteem? Why are so many people trying to work on it? The problem is that the entire concept of self-esteem is wrong.
Self-esteem is the idea that you should measure yourself against society’s measuring stick. Our entertainment industries, our teachers, families, and culture have given us impossible standards they expect us to meet. We start measuring ourselves by the expectations of others, and we lose the true essence of who we are.
The video below shows an interview in which adults and kids were asked what they would change about themselves. The adults all felt like they had flaws. The flaws they perceived were all things they felt made them different from “everyone else.” But, the kids actually wanted to be unusual. They wanted things like a mermaid’s tail or a shark’s mouth.
The children in this video haven’t yet had other’s project their standards on them. They don’t have self-esteem. What they have is self-belief. They get their value from simply believing in themselves. They believe that the world is theirs, and there’s nothing that needs changing about themselves. It’s a precious thing that we allow the concept of self-esteem strip away from us.
We do the same thing with our dreams. We water them down to fit into what society wants us to do. We don’t even stop to think if the things we automatically do are the things our soul is really calling us to do.
Break Up With Self-Esteem
We need to dump self-esteem and invite in self-belief. Have faith in yourself. Know that you are enough. You are enough because you are. Say it, “I AM.” Self-esteem is based on how you think and feel about yourself (thoughts and feelings are often flawed), but self-belief is based on acceptance of yourself. Self esteem is based on how we compare to others, but self-belief is following the call of our deepest heart. Self-esteem is based on judgement. Allow your entire gritty, daring, reckless true self to emerge. She has secrets to tell you, but your mind has been jabbering too loudly for you to hear.
Self-belief is based on unconditional love and limitless possibilities. We all search for someone who will give us unconditional love, who will accept us just as we are. Don’t you think it’s time to do that for yourself? You my darling, are so very worthy. Now, get out there and show the world, swishing your mermaid tail boldly along the way.
Featured photo credit: theglobalpanorama via photopin cc
It was interesting to read the concept of self esteem turned into something else. I love the video you posted with it, and it’s great to see kids be totally happy with who they are! I hope it stays that way!