Psycho-Babble Self-Esteem Thread 692757

Shown: posts 1 to 17 of 17. This is the beginning of the thread.

 

My self esteem

Posted by Adrift on October 7, 2006, at 13:48:28

is missing at the moment. I feel bleh! I wish there was a quick fix to feeling like sh*t. What makes you feel better when you feel bad? Is anyone actually able to talk themselves out of these sort of funks?

 

Re: My self esteem

Posted by Racer on October 7, 2006, at 19:16:51

In reply to My self esteem, posted by Adrift on October 7, 2006, at 13:48:28

Talk myself out of them? No. Distract myself with something I get satisfaction from, which then soothes my distress? Yes.

For me, that distraction takes many forms, most of which involve fibers. Knitting is one, I do that well enough. Spinning, which is still new enough that I'm amazed by the magic as individual fibers -- often in yummy colors -- become yarn, is another. (I don't do that nearly as well, though, so that can go either way -- "hey! I made that!" or "I can't even do this right...") Sewing -- there's a satisfaction that comes from seeing those seams, it's calming and soothing for me, when I see a well-pressed seam and know I made it. Sometimes other things, cleaning, working out, etc.

When all else fails, I can crawl inside a book, which sometimes helps but usually provides at least an escape pod from being me.

In terms of my self-esteem, per se, that's harder. Sometimes if I succeed in creating a clean space from clutter and mess, I feel like a better person for it. That's rare though -- don't get me started, my self esteem is shaky at best right now. Showering helps, at times, though...

Good luck, I hope you find it soon.

 

Re: My self esteem » Racer

Posted by Adrift on October 7, 2006, at 20:06:15

In reply to Re: My self esteem, posted by Racer on October 7, 2006, at 19:16:51

thanks Racer,

I seem so self focused lately and analyzing all my faults. I wish I could ignore myself. A good light book sounds like a great idea right now.

 

Re: My self esteem » Adrift

Posted by Phillipa on October 8, 2006, at 19:57:39

In reply to Re: My self esteem » Racer, posted by Adrift on October 7, 2006, at 20:06:15

Or sleep. Love Phillipa

 

Babbling » Adrift

Posted by pseudoname on October 10, 2006, at 13:34:10

In reply to My self esteem, posted by Adrift on October 7, 2006, at 13:48:28

> What makes you feel better when you feel bad?

Often, Babbling helps me. And getting replies. ;-)

 

Re: My self esteem » Adrift

Posted by sleepygirl on October 10, 2006, at 21:37:53

In reply to My self esteem, posted by Adrift on October 7, 2006, at 13:48:28

you're awesome....
don't worry :-)

hope you're feeling better soon

 

Re: My self esteem

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

 

;-) (nm) » pseudoname

Posted by Adrift on October 11, 2006, at 21:58:46

In reply to Babbling » Adrift, posted by pseudoname on October 10, 2006, at 13:34:10

 

:-) (nm) » sleepygirl

Posted by Adrift on October 11, 2006, at 21:59:19

In reply to Re: My self esteem » Adrift, posted by sleepygirl on October 10, 2006, at 21:37:53

 

Re: My self esteem » Lindenblüte

Posted by Adrift on October 11, 2006, at 22:07:02

In reply to Re: My self esteem, posted by Lindenblüte on October 11, 2006, at 8:49:38

Thanks Li,

Those are great suggestions!

And I am feeling better thanks to you guys.


 

Re: My self esteem » Adrift

Posted by Lindenblüte on October 12, 2006, at 8:35:15

In reply to Re: My self esteem » Lindenblüte, posted by Adrift on October 11, 2006, at 22:07:02

Hi adrift,
I'm so happy you're feeling a little better.

When you're going through your day today, try to find 3 lovely things, and report back to us if you get a chance.

My friend curtm made me do this one day when I was really in the dumps, and it made all the difference.

I have one lovely thing to report today, so far: I am listening to a lovely movement of a symphony, and it is really moving. And I have another thing, now that I think about it-- I put on handcream and cotton gloves last night to sleep in, and my hands and nails look better than they have in weeks.

Adrift, you're going to be fine. It just takes a little practice to open your mind to the good stuff within and around you.

-Li

 

Re: My self esteem » Lindenblüte

Posted by Adrift on October 12, 2006, at 13:13:37

In reply to Re: My self esteem » Adrift, posted by Lindenblüte on October 12, 2006, at 8:35:15

Thanks Li!

you made me feel all mushy inside ;-), no seriously, I've been feeling somewhat "adrift" right now and coming by babble today and getting your response made me feel less alone. Well, all my responses did.

I have one thing so far,
I misjudged someone actions towards me recently, but discovered that they are just as genuine as I initially thought :-)

Ill have to post back on the other 2

Thanks :-)

 

Re: My self esteem » Adrift

Posted by Lindenblüte on October 12, 2006, at 13:23:58

In reply to Re: My self esteem » Lindenblüte, posted by Adrift on October 12, 2006, at 13:13:37

That's a great one, Adrift :)

keep it up. It doesn't have to be anything profound. I have one that is kind of funny. I saw something yucky in the corner of the bathroom, and I thought it was a buggie. The thing of beauty is that it was only a dust bunny, and that it made me laugh to be afraid of dust bunnies. The dust bunny was not beautiful, but laughing at myself was.


;o)

 

Re: My self esteem » Lindenblüte

Posted by ClearSkies on October 12, 2006, at 18:26:37

In reply to Re: My self esteem » Adrift, posted by Lindenblüte on October 12, 2006, at 8:35:15

What a great thing to do.. I'm glad I followed this thread. OK, I was lurking at this thread :-)

 

Re: My self esteem » ClearSkies

Posted by Lindenblüte on October 13, 2006, at 10:37:23

In reply to Re: My self esteem » Lindenblüte, posted by ClearSkies on October 12, 2006, at 18:26:37

The hardest thing when we're seriously depressed, or just down in the dumps 'cause of a rough day is that we kind of get lost inside of our own minds.

Sometimes I wish I had a little switch that would control the volume of my inner critic, or my inner worry-wort, or my inner entrepreneur, or my inner personal assistant. Just tell the cacophony to SHUT UP!

One time I asked my husband to do just that. to get really close to my ear and say very firmly "SHUT UP!!" It actually worked. probably because I started giggling :)

Got any beautiful things yet today?

I have one- There is a sad collection of houseplants that have not (yet) succumbed to my herbicidal tendencies. One of them is a geranium plant. It's been in the same pot for the last 4 years. It's tough as nails. Just when I think I've abused it to death by never watering it, I feel sorry for it, and I clip of all of the wierd appendages that sprawl all over the windowsill- I give it a thorough watering, heck maybe even a sprinkle of plant food. And today, I am greeted with not 1 but 3 bright red blossoms. Maybe it likes the cooler fall weather? It was looking really raggedy all summer long. Heck- I might even move it from the windowsill to the coffee table, the blooms are so vibrant and the leaves look so pretty and green. It's forgiven me... Aww!

((((((eternal geranium)))))))

-Li

Adrift, Clearskies, how are y'all doing?

 

Re: My self esteem » Lindenblüte

Posted by ClearSkies on October 13, 2006, at 14:15:53

In reply to Re: My self esteem » ClearSkies, posted by Lindenblüte on October 13, 2006, at 10:37:23


> Adrift, Clearskies, how are y'all doing?
>

3 lovely things so far today:
my cat lolling in the sunshine
me lolling around with her
her not walking away in disgust, but letting me loll with her

 

Re: My self esteem » Lindenblüte

Posted by Adrift on October 18, 2006, at 18:21:22

In reply to Re: My self esteem » Adrift, posted by Lindenblüte on October 12, 2006, at 13:23:58

> That's a great one, Adrift :)
>
> keep it up. It doesn't have to be anything profound. I have one that is kind of funny. I saw something yucky in the corner of the bathroom, and I thought it was a buggie. The thing of beauty is that it was only a dust bunny, and that it made me laugh to be afraid of dust bunnies. The dust bunny was not beautiful, but laughing at myself was.
>
>
> ;o)

I had a good laugh today

I saw such true happiness in a friend today when she recieved some good news.

You know, I really have to think about these, probably says something about my mood, but it does make me feel a little better once Ive injured my brain doing it

;-)



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