4. Want to better know yourself? Journal. Writing can help clarify your thoughts, your emotions, and your reactions to certain people or situations. In addition, as you read back through past journals, you’ll have ample evidence of things that make you happy and those that are distressful.

5. Journaling can help clarify events, problems, or options. When you’re beset with a mind full of fuzzy, disconnected thoughts flitting here and there, writing about event or issue will help bring focus and clarity. It will also help you decide on which action to take, or option to choose.

Copyright 2004 Patti Testerman

2. Related to #1: List first why you believe negativity you tell yourself (i.e., I’m too old. I’m too fat. Nobody loves me. I’m never good enough. etc.); laugh at that piece of paper you just wrote on; THEN tear it up and move on to next strategy.

3. You may have heard phrase “Attitude of gratitude.” Count your blessings, which can include things people actually take for granted, such as food and shelter, access to a computer, etc.

4. List your positive attributes and talents—everybody has them! List at least five.

5. Make a list of what you love to do, starting from childhood until now and try to find time to do it at least once a week, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

6. List at least three things that you would love to have courage to do.

7. Surround yourself with positive people (think of volunteer or professional organizations that have something in common with your interests, for example).

If none of these strategies work over time, other factors may be at play that are beyond scope of this article.

Consistently employing these strategies will make it easier to keep going even when going gets tough. Especially when going gets tough! Whenever you are feeling low, you don’t have to try and deny it. But do know that it will pass. Knowing that it will pass will help you psychologically.

If you’re interested in seeing where you fall in terms of your self-esteem, here is a site that I found very useful: http://www.wellnessnet.com/testesarticle.htm. It also goes into hidden and surface self esteem concept in more depth.

Self-esteem is but one personal resource worth managing. It’s important to be kind to yourself and have patience. Remember, your best investment is in yourself!

Power-Ed Solutions, Inc. Copyright © 2004 All Rights Reserved