There is a strong relationship between self-appreciation and self-esteem.
Self-esteem enables us to live our lives with confidence and take decisions based on the integrity of our values.
Self-appreciation is the act of recognising the benefits of the qualities that we have. Many of our qualities are so intrinsic that they become like wallpaper in that they add colour and depth to your personality but you no longer notice them.
Develop Self-Understanding
Conscious self-appreciation allows us to pay homage to the depths of our personality and as we recognise and are grateful for these qualities, these qualities begin to shine and radiate their glow throughout your being.
They have a right to exist and you have a right to polish, frame and admire your “wallpaper” – your self-image – every day.
You’ll feel good when you create your list of things you appreciate about yourself for the very first time. However, to really notice stronger self-esteem, it’s a good idea to develop a habit of recognising your qualities every single day.
The easiest way to do this without turning into some “navel-gazing, self-help junkie” (as one fabulous client worried about), is to pick any random activity and recognise your qualities responsible for making you do that activity in the way that you wanted to do it. Activities really can be anything – from brushing your teeth to the way that you dealt with a confrontation. Think about how that quality is important to you and how it shows up in so many positive ways throughout your life.
Tell the World
You don’t have to publically tell everyone of course, but if you’re shy or not in the habit of thinking about yourself, putting a list out there in public can be quite symbolic.
Here goes me…
10 Things I Trust and Like About Myself
- I never have a computer issue (hardware or programming) that I’m not able to solve
- I have a lovely smile and secretly I love that so many people comment on it and give me a great smile back
- I can have the most marvellous one-on-one conversations with a complete stranger
- Given the choice between A and B, I’ll usually find a perfect C
- I’ve found my artistic niche – I’m a dab hand at sketching portraits (charcoal)
- I am drawn to problems and complexities and love my stickability to see things through for myself and for others
- I make delicious dinner party food but I like variety too much to have a signature dish
- That my open and receptive mind is balanced with zillions of questions and this combination leads me to explore, perhaps “over-think” at times, have fun and learn
- I throw myself in at the deep end a lot and usually make it! I recently discovered a flair for languages and the deep end is four languages all at once. Doesn’t sound too wise does it? But see point 6.
- Amazon.co.uk… ahhh… need I say more?
Yael Brisker is a talented artist. She creates the most beautiful metalwork and also teaches empathy. This post is inspired by Yael’s article 10 things I can trust about myself -and like too!
I’d love to know what you trust and like about yourself too – please do add a comment below or even on your own site with a link to this post so we can trackback to your post 
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Reeta, All of those qualities fit the Reeta I know to a T. You have taught me so many things in the short time we have known each other and I am so glad that Twitter brought us together.
I too have great one-on-one conversations with complete strangers and have had many today. The blessings you find when you step out of your comfort zone to offer a kind word or help are fairly incredible.
Julie Walraven | Resume Services´s last blog ..Life is Bittersweet
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Thanks Julie – I am so delighted to have met you too!
But where is your list of things you like about yourself?
Reetha Thank you so much, this post and your mention was the best moment of my day today! I’m inspired by your smile and your warmth that come glowing through cyber-space,it’s been exciting to meet you, through Jim Connolly. Thank you!
(hmmmm btw the system here doesn’t want to allow my latest blog post to appear – wonder why? – there’s a technological challenge for you my dear)
Hi Yael – I’m so glad to have made your day in this way! I loved that post of yours when I first read it which is why it stayed with me!
Regarding the commentluv issue you’re having, can you try again –
1) Make sure the commentluv is ticked
2) Enter the URL to your blog (connectingwithempathy) in the web address field because I believe this is how commentluv knows where to go looking for your blog post. (currently you’ve entered the yaelbrisker address)
3) Wait for commentluv to find your post.
4) When it’s found it, then you can change the web URL back to yaelbrisker.com if you want to.
Also, it might be an idea to register your blog URL on the commentluv website http://comluv.com/ – This makes sure that your blog feed is current and also adds more info to your commentluv links – click on Julie’s commentluv heart in her comment above and you’ll see what I mean.
I hope this helps (and works!)
Reetha dear
It Worked! There you go! number one is true!
In admiration
Yael Brisker´s last blog ..Empathy – The Missing Link
Reeta, my first visit here and I would just like to say I love your post.
I have always been a very optimistic and out going person.
I too, am able to strike up some interesting conversations with people that I have never met before as it is easy for me to open up to other people, but just as equally important, I can usually have other people open up to me.
Anyway great post, Thanks
Mike´s last blog ..Thanksgiving 2010 – New Updates With Videos
Hi Mike – great to have you here! Your genuine interest in others shines through your comment – a precious skill to have.
Thanks for taking the time to leave a note and hope to see you around here again.
Your blog always makes me think, I have just bookmarked it!
I love this article! You brought up some very good points and I totally believe in these aspects of our lives having a profound effect upon the quality of our lives. An attitude of gratitude is always the attitude of a winner! Thanks! Kim
Kim@How To Manage Stress´s last blog ..How To Use Positive Affirmations To Change Your Life Direction