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Self esteem exercises
Improving low self esteem
By using the 2 questions on the overcoming low self esteem-page, you are now able to judge for yourself what is negative and what is positive in your life. You can now isolate those feelings that are toxic to you.
Unfortunately the way it works is that those negative toxic perceptions have become part of you, so much so that thinking you are no-good, unattractive, stupid, unlucky or not capable are second nature to you. It has become ingrained into your being like a bad habit that you can’t shake off.
How do we change that?
It is not easy but it is possible.
Negative thinking patterns need to replaced with positive, healthy thinking patterns. We both know it is impossible to wipe the negatives away, but it is possible to replace them with positives. You can control this by doing self esteem exercises.
You know now what your negatives are. Take one negative and write it down. Now next to it, write as many positive alternatives for it as you can.
Example:
I am not good enough
I came into this world whole, worthy of love and acceptance
I release the need to prove myself as I am my own self and I love it that way
It is enough to do my best
Bad things happened but that is not who I am
I deserve to live with dignity and respect because I am worthy of it
The past is behind me. I choose to live in the present
If you find it difficult to find positive alternatives for your negatives try this: (It is something I use myself and it helps a lot)
Image you had a perfect life up to now. Loving parents, a happy childhood, everything you ever needed. You are whole, happy, fulfilled, capable and confident. Let the feeling of been loved and accepted flow over you, drink it in. Can you feel yourself becoming a bit taller, happier and more confident?
Look at your negatives again and now make a list of positive alternatives. Begin with: If I were whole … and then write a great positive for that negative.
For this to work you need to incorporate your positive alternatives into every aspect of your life. Every time you feel down or negative or unsure, haul out your list and repeat the positives over and over until you feel and believe it. Your negative thinking patterns are part of you. Replacing it with positives will take time, determination and discipline. It is an ongoing process. Keep on doing the self esteem exercises.
Every time you put a positive thought in place of a negative one, you are adding a beneficial stepping stone to building a road to a healthy, happy life.
Work at it – it is worth it! Do the self esteem exercises!
Develop alternatives Live in the present Be your own best friend