Is Your Self-Image Destroying Your Self-Esteem?
ByHave you noticed how often the words Self-Esteem are used in newspapers, television, radio, and when people talk about education and success? Do you know the difference between self-image and Self-Esteem? Would you be interested in discovering a way for you to feel respect for yourself daily?
When I was a boy, I began asking myself two questions: “How come I and others hurt so much?” and “What can be done about it?” This began my qualitative research on Self-Esteem. The reason these questions emerged was because I personally had unintact Self-Esteem. I had a self-image! There is a great difference between self-image and Self-Esteem. Self-image is an imitation or representation of a person. It is what one would like to project to the world. It is comparison. Self-image means: I imitate someone. I measure myself against another person. I act artificial by trying to be someone I am not. I gossip. And, I envy other people for what they have or do. Self-image destroys my Self-Esteem and causes internal pain.
Read the following words and notice how you feel. These are all self-image words: emotional abuse, mental illness, egocentricity, jealousy, gossip, fear, crime, rejection, depression, guilt, emptiness, praise, labeling, insecurity, addictions, and indifference. The next time you see a dead tree think about all the people who are dead on the inside. They are numb. They are operating out of a self-image.
What is Self-Esteem? Self-Esteem is the self respect you feel for yourself. It is a feeling. People with intact Self-Esteem encourage others; they are sensitive to people; they give people their time and undivided attention; they have high energy; they establish mutually beneficial empathic relationships; and, they are highly motivated.
The following words reflect intact Self-Esteem: peace of mind, encouragement, fulfillment, affirming, to have fun daily, patience, trust, joy, health, purpose, integrity, acceptance, creativity, forgiveness, inner-directed, commitment and responsibility. The next time you see a beautiful tree in full bloom, ask yourself, “Do I have self respect and self love?” With intact Self-Esteem, happiness and success are inevitable.
You can live a life of self-image or Self-Esteem. You have a choice. Be respectful of yourself in every behavior you choose. Reach out to others with intact Self-Esteem. Serve them in any way you can.
Choose Self-Esteem and then, watch what happens!
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