Where does self esteem come from?
It’s esteem for one’s self. A deep feeling of self security and worthiness. I think in the past I’ve tricked myself into thinking that we get this from others.
Yes, we’re told that what others say and think about us doesn’t matter- but it’s a mighty loud signal.
When we’re kids it’s the authority figures in our lives that shape our beliefs about the world and ourselves.
As we get older I suppose we continue giving authority to others.
Do other people think we’re good or strong or clever? Whether people see us doing things that signal our virtues becomes important.
Because of course if a tree falls in a forest and no one hears it, does it make a sound?
It does make a sound- but only the tree knows it.
Esteem for one’s self is about who you are when no one is looking.
Because when we do things that show we’re strong, kind, creative, clever and the only ones to see it is us, that’s when we build real self esteem.
You’ll fight every urge to talk about it or signal to others what you’ve done. But that erodes the real treasure.
Do the right thing and do it for you only. And do that over and over (and over).
