If anyone else spoke to you the way you speak to yourself would you still talk to them? If the answer to this question is a resounding “No way!” you are not alone. So how do you learn to treat yourself the way you would want others to treat you? Here are some suggestions to explore.
Think of 3 messages you could tell yourself to help raise your self-esteem. It could be a thought about a recent accomplishment you made (I did well on my science test) or a positive physical attribute (I have nice eyes) or a positive personality trait (I am a loyal friend.) Then choose a way to send yourself these messages. You could say the message out loud to yourself in front of the mirror, text the message or email to yourself, leave yourself a voicemail on your cell or write it on a post-it and keep it in a place you will see it often.
Try this for a week and see if it makes a difference. Remember, your lowered self esteem did not form in a day. It will take time to break the habit of being your own worst enemy and becoming your own best friend.
