When you look in the mirror what do you see? Are the things you think about yourself positive or negative? A lot of problems us teens struggle with have to do with the way we view ourselves. One time I fell into the trap of trying to be this perfect teen, this did not end well. I ended up almost exploding from it and almost loosing myself. If you have been stuck in this same self image trap here are some small things you can do to help.
Don’t compare apples to oranges- just like apples and oranges are two different fruit types there are many different types of people. Everyone has a different talent and it is easy to look at someone and say “I want a flat stomach just like her.” You may compare yourself to others all the time and may think it is not harming anyone. But by comparing yourself to others you cutting away your self esteem and this damage can be hard to undo.
Be positive not negative- I hate my hair, I hate my ears, I hate myself. Have you ever heard a friend say any of these things about themselves out loud? OR have you said them yourself? When you hear people say these things like this about themselves you notice. SO why do still say these words if we know it is bringing negative attention to us? Instead of saying I hate my hair, find something positive to say about your hair or don’t say anything at all. All of your parts were made with great care and appreciating them will do you wonders.
Live in the present not the past- Living in the present means that instead of looking back on all of the things you did wrong focus on what you do right. For example, instead of focusing on that test you failed think about what you can do better on the next one and move on. Living in the past can cause depression and unhappiness and overall low self esteem.
Set realistic excpectations- This means if you set a goal to make a certain weight, then give yourself time to complete the goal. Don’t expect yourself to be perfect instead try and be yourself.
Having low self-esteem is like trying to break down a strong bridge. It will take time and at times you may go backwards, but ultimately the feeling you get makes the pain worth it.
-G