Posted by Lindenblüte on October 11, 2006, at 8:49:38
In reply to Re: My self esteem » Adrift, posted by sleepygirl on October 10, 2006, at 21:37:53
Hi Adrift,
i feel better after about myself when i help people on babble. of course, one doesn't always get feedback that one helped, per se, but just the act of thinking about different ways to help different peoples with their struggles keeps my brain distracted from my own uselessnes.I find that a phone call to a long-lost friend can be a good diversion. Someone who you lost track with a while back. Someone who knows you from a different context, from a different point in your life. That can help bring you back to a place where you feel more grounded and secure in yourself.
I like to get lost in bookstores. I can read about the roman empire, yoga, poetry, monster cars... really anything- just to admire the ingenuity of the human race, or at least get lost in a set of pretty pictures.
I like a nice walk, especially on a day with interesting weather. Find someplace where the scenery will engage you- the mall, a canyon, a busy street, along the lake...
Listen to some music that makes you want to dance, and then tell yourself that you're going to dance for 30 seconds. I bet you'll feel a little better after 30 seconds.
write notes or letters to friends. put them in envelopes and send them right away. then you will feel good about yourself because you are a good correspondent.
Take your camera out and find an interesting little niche of your world and take a few shots of it. There's beauty everywhere- even a photo of your foot might be really cool.
Finally- think of the most significant thing that your loved ones have told you lateley. For me, it was a statement from my husband that he admired me for doing the work I do. Think about it-- why is it so meaningful? what does it make you feel? can you resist the urge to fight the compliment and focus on incorporating it into your heart. tell yourself- no matter what happens to me today, [my husband admires me for the work I do] and repeat it often, in difficult and easy times. Let your heart absorbit. It's hard at first, but you CAN learn to think about yourself in a kinder, gentler way.
-Li
poster:Lindenblüte
thread:692757
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/esteem/20060921/msgs/693792.html