~ Self Esteem ~

• Esteem is a fancy word for thinking that someone or something is important or valuing that person or thing, and self means you. When you put them together self esteem means how much you value yourself and how important you think you are. It’s like quietly knowing that you’re worth a lot.

• Having a good self esteem is important because it helps you hold your head high and feel proud of yourself and what you can do. It also helps you to make good choices about your mind and body. If you have a good self esteem, you value your safety, your feelings, your health, your whole self! You know that every part of you is worth caring for and protecting.
  
  
  ~ Improving Self Esteem ~
  
  Avoiding the Negative:
• Don’t compare yourself to others.
• Tell the critical voices of friends and family that are shouting in your head to stop.
• Do not let anyone, including yourself, put you down.
• Start saying the word “no”
• Don’t try to change others.
  
  Accentuate the Positive:
• Make a list of your achievements.
• Make a list of your positive inner qualities.
• Take pride in your appearance, when you put an effort into how you look you feel better and it shows.
• Exercise. When you exercise your body releases endorphins that actually help you feel better. It is an all natural high.
• Seek out people that make you feel good.
• Be your own best friend.
  
  So take it one step at a time and remember to be patient with yourself change takes time and work.
  
  ~ Self Care ~
  
  It is important to take time out of each day for yourself. Set some time aside for you to focus on what makes you feel good and relaxed. This is so important to keep you healthy, grounded and able to care for yourself and others.
  
  Here are some suggestions for healthy self care:
• walking or hiking
• Reading
• writing in a journal
• Bubble bath
• working up a sweat at the gym
• Manicure/pedicure
• puzzles
• Spending time with people that believe in you and truly want to see you succeed