indigostone07
Let us keep it real, we all need money to provide food, shelter, and clothing for ourselves and our families. Having enough money frees our mind to focus on more than just mere survival. Being well-paid for our talents and abilities is a source of great pride. However, money does not make the man. Money does not make you better or worse than the person next to you in life.
There are different ways to have a healthy self-esteem separate from your financial status in life.
Be mindful
Simply becoming aware of our negative self-talk. Distance yourself from the feelings it brings up. This will help you identify with them less. Without this awareness, we can easily fall into the trap of believing our self-limiting talk. Thoughts are just thoughts; they are not necessarily the facts. Stay in the present. Try mindful eating, savoring the smell, taste, and texture of a meal. Try mindful walking, go outside, and choose a path. Walk and appreciate the feeling of the grass or pavement beneath your feet. Enjoy the fresh air, light rain, or light snow depending on where you are. Try a mediation app on your phone and learn or to navigate life through deep breathing.
Change the Story
We all have an ongoing story we tell ourselves about who we are and the life we have lived. Often, this story comes from messages from family, friends, co-workers, and society at large. You can rewrite this story where you are a lovable, valuable, respected human being. Start with affirmations. What do you wish you believed about yourself? Repeat these phrases to yourself every day.
Do Not Compare Yourself to Others
Comparing yourself to the people around you is a great way to fall down an endless rabbit hole of despair. You must, must accept yourself just the way you are—flaws and all. Just because the person next to you appears happy, it does not mean they are happy. Comparisons only lead to negative self-talk, which leads to anxiety and stress. Drop it. Be exactly who you are today.
NEXT STEPS: Come back same time, same place, next week for more tips on having a healthy self-esteem.
