“I can do that”, woman thought. The next day she put on her best clothes, practiced what she would say and marched up to Safia.

“Safia, I have discovered these fine gems that will bring more people to your stall.” Here she displayed some of most spectacular stones on a piece of black velvet she had, rocking them gently to catch light.

Safia pick one up and held it to sun. “See how smooth, almost magical they are”, said woman. “You can set them in gold rings, string them into prayer beads, or simply roll them in your hand. They’ll bring a good price and attract a new clientele for you.”

Safia saw immediately these would sell well. “I’ll give you 100 ringas for each stone”, she offered.

“Safia, I will rent this section of your stall”, countered woman pointing to a spot next to sweetmeats. “I’ll give you 10 spas a month plus 10% of my profits. This way you do what you do best, selling foods, while I give my full attention to these jewels. We will both make more sales.”

Safia could see woman wasn’t going to budge on this. It was either let her sell stones or she would go elsewhere. “All right”, sighed Safia.

The woman set up her display immediately. Safia told all her customers of her new wares. Curious they came over to see. The woman, by watching Safia, learned how to sell. She was a success and both Safia and her thrived. And from that day forward, woman trusted herself. She knew she was worthy, valuable, and good enough. She grew in confidence and stature. Her demeanour changed. She had an aura about her that attracted people. She became as we all do, what she thought she was.

©2002 AliceSteinbart

"The image that concerns most people is reflection they see in other people's minds." - Edward De Bono, famous writer on concept of lateral thinking

In other words, I believe that too many people are worried about what others think of them.

Set Definite Goals:

Man is a goal-seeking organism. I think we humans feel happiest, when we are working to achieve something of importance/value. Man's personality is controlled not as much by his past accomplishments and present environment, as by his future goals.

People with no definite goals live an unfocussed life - they often accomplish little of substance. An unfocussed life is a wasted life, and a wasted life is most open to a a low self image. If you have no goal, where will you focus your abilities? How will you direct your life? Crystallise your goals...then action them. I find that having a meaning and purpose in my life , ie. a LIFE MISSION is most fulfilling and satisfying.

GOALS BRING SUCCESS Setting and then achieving them. They give structure and a plan to our lives, no more than that. However, they also specify what accomplishments are important to us - by giving us a purpose, a reason for being. Like ship navigating a course by stars, goals guide us down river of life - checkpoints to "tick off" to keep us on track. So write down your daily goals. Numerous studies have shown that man uses only 10% of his abilities throughout his lifetime and only 5% of population have any written goals*.

So then, WHAT HOPE DO THEY HAVE OF EVER ACHIEVING THEM? * Studies have shown that these 5% are high achievers and "go-getters" of societies.

SPEAK POSITIVE WORDS Always think best of others. We all have disappointments, but never allow disappointments to trigger negative words of resentment and anger. Words that lead to self pity and depression.

EXERCISE POSITIVE FAITH

NB: Have Faith in yourself, but especially in God, The Universe, a Higher Power.

The Bible said: "As I think, I behave." Don't ask me where to find it though? (could some "Bible-basher" please let me know where I found that quotation).

"How you see yourself is more important than how other people see you." ASK YOURSELF:

+ + -

1. What do I do well? What do I do poorly? 2. What do I like most about What do I like least myself? about myself?

3. Of which results/achievements Which areas of my life am I most proud? need most attention?

* The more you add to left hand side of ledger, more you will outweigh negatives you have accumulated over years. Instead of being your own worst enemy, you can be your own best friend. You're bound to have more on left hand side than on right.

A word to end off this chapter...

"Fall in love with yourself and be sure of a life-long romance."

I LOVE MYSELF*

(thanks for sending to me, Kaye - you are a very special person) * please excuse "caps" - I'm not shouting, but am just too "lazy" to retype!).

I LOVE MYSELF THE WAY I AM THERE'S NOTHING I NEED TO CHANGE I WILL ALWAYS BE THE PERFECT ME THERE IS NOTHING TO RE-ARRANGE I AM BEAUTIFUL AND CAPABLE OF BEING THE BEST ME I CAN AND I LOVE MYSELF JUST THE WAY I AM

I LOVE YOU JUST THE WAY YOU ARE THERE IS NOTHING YOU NEED TO DO WHEN I FEEL THE LOVE INSIDE MYSELF IT IS EASY TO LOVE YOU BEHIND YOUR FEARS YOUR RADIANT HUES I SEE YOUR SHINING STAR AND I LOVE YOU JUST THE WAY YOU ARE.

I LOVE THE WORLD THE WAY IT IS 'CAUSE I CAN CLEARLY SEE THAT ALL THE THINGS I JUDGE ARE DONE BY PEOPLE JUST LIKE ME SO TILL THE BIRTH OF PEACE ON EARTH THAT ONLY LOVE CAN BRING I'LL HELP THAT GROW BY LOVING EVERYTHING.

I LOVE MYSELF THE WAY I AM AND STILL I WANT TO GROW THE CHANGE OUTSIDE CAN ONLY COME WHEN DEEP INSIDE I KNOW I'M BEAUTIFUL AND CAPABLE OF BEING THE BEST ME I CAN I LOVE MYSELF JUST THE WAY I AM.