Self-worth challenge...

We all have our strengths and weaknesses and I'm sure everyone struggles with insecurity to some degree. Some fears and insecurities are more pronounced, however, and can indicate concerning self-worth issues. Good therapists and spiritual guru's advise that in order to cultivate a true sense of security, we need to focus on our inner world (character and core values/positive traits/life purpose) because external factors can be impermanent. In other words, if we rely on our looks and/or talents, we may be compromised as we age and our looks and talents fade.

 Indictors of low self-esteem (according to wikipedia):

* Heavy self-criticism and dissatisfaction.
* Hypersensitivity to criticism and resentment against critics and feelings of being attacked.
* Chronic indecision and an exaggerated fear of mistakes.
* Excessive will to please and unwillingness to displease any petitioner.
* Perfectionism, which can lead to frustration when perfection is not achieved.
* Neurotic guilt, dwelling on or exaggerating the magnitude of past mistakes.
* Floating hostility and general defensiveness and irritability without any proximate cause.
* Pessimism and a general negative outlook.
* Envy, invidiousness, or general resentment.
* Sees temporary setbacks as permanent, intolerable conditions.

3 states of self-worth:
* Shattered - the individual does not regard themselves as valuable or loveable.
* Vulnerable - the individual has a positive self-image. However, their self-esteem is also vulnerable to the perceived risk of an imminent anti-feat (such as defeat, embarrassment, shame, discredit), consequently they are often nervous and regularly use defence mechanisms.
* Strong - people with strong self-esteem have a positive self-image and enough strength so that anti-feats do not subdue their self-esteem. They have less fear of failure.

The importance of self-esteem:
"Self esteem is attractive as a social psychological construct because researchers have conceptualized it as an influential predictor of certain outcomes, such as academic achievement, happiness, satisfaction in marriage and relationships and criminal behaviour."

I guess we're talking about root causes. If we find ourselves chronically dissatisfied or unhappy in our lives, maybe we can investigate, heal old wounds, learn new skills, turn things around? Just sayin'

Blessings,

Chatgirl