We teach people how to treat us. When we feel worthy and have a healthy sense of self, we communicate to the people in our lives that we expect to be treated with dignity and respect. Cultivating a more positive self-image increases our sense of self-worth, and as a result, helps to determine the kind of treatment we will or will not tolerate from others. This can be an incredibly empowering process.
Negative self-talk keeps us from enjoying self-confidence and self-respect. More often than not, when we speak to ourselves, we do so in a critical tone of voice. Focusing on flaws and weaknesses is a sure way to deflate self-esteem.
Have you noticed that when you speak with a friend, you are often kinder and more accepting of their shortcomings than you are of your own? Learn to develop internal dialogues similar to the ones you use with your friends. Your self-esteem will flourish when you learn to place less emphasis on what's wrong with you and more emphasis on what's right.
Be kind to you!
Dr. Tami Kulbatski, Psy.D., C.Psych.
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