Self-Esteem

Do you think you’re beautiful inside and out? If you’re like most women, we have our days. Sometimes, we know that we are. We exude confidence and radiate that glow of mental and physical attraction – things just click, and the world is good. However, there are days where we feel blasé, blasé; the days when our hair won’t cooperate, nothing in our closets seems to fit, and it seems as though everything we do doesn’t turn out as intended.

What do you do on those days that you’re feeling super charged? What do you do on those days that the Charlie Brown cloud of gray is following you? There is absolutely a difference in your thoughts, feelings, and actions and how those in turn impact your day. So, how can you maximize those days of positivity, even on the days when it’s tough finding some of the silver lining?

1. Acknowledge your accomplishments. Make a list of all of the things that you’ve achieved on your own or played a role in achieving, such as: completing a project at work; helping your kids with their homework; not giving up on your workout routine; making it through the majority of your ever-growing to-do list.
2. Write down 10 things that you think you appreciate about YOU, such as: your ability to multitask; to simultaneously be a great mom/business woman/wife; your contagious laugh; the fact that others trust you and confide in you.
3. Do something you enjoy doing – whether it’s going out for a walk; going shopping; reading; spending time with your friends/family; or just relaxing.

On the days that you need an extra boost or perhaps an absolute catalyst, refer to your lists about what you appreciate about YOU and all that YOU’VE accomplished. Even though you may not feel like it, do something that makes YOU feel good, do something you enjoy. Just take a minute to ask yourself what you NEED and grant yourself permission to do that.

Or, perhaps you know someone who needs a little boost, or you want to play a role in helping to boost the self-esteem of your daughter or other young girls in your community – as part of the Campaign for Real Beauty, Dove launched the Self Esteem Fund, aimed to help widen girls’ perspectives of “beauty” and improve their levels of self-confidence.

The site features lots of interactive tools and resources, including a “Girls’ Zone” with quizzes on self-esteem and tips on how to build it; and workshops and guides for moms and mentors to use at home and in your community.