Short messages on Self-esteem and body confidence issues from Respect Yourself, the guidance site for young people to help make good decisions in life.
Have the courage to be yourself. Your real value is rooted in who you are, not who you aren’t. There is something unique and special about you.
Unrelenting self-criticism often goes hand in hand with unhappiness and anxiety, and is completely unjustified. There is no reason to be your own biggest critic.
Sometimes we try to show the world we are flawless in hopes that we will be liked and accepted by everyone, but we can’t please everyone and we shouldn’t try. The beauty of us lies in our vulnerability, our complex emotions, and our authentic imperfections.
Sometimes you have to remind yourself that you don’t have to do what everyone else is doing.
“To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
There is no need to put on a mask. There is no need to pretend to be someone you’re not. You have nothing to prove to anyone else, because the people worth impressing just want you to be yourself.
Your life is valuable. It is the greatest asset you own. It holds potential for great things. Don’t let it slip into mediocrity by choosing to live it just like everyone else.
“Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.” – Charles R Swindoll
Let go of the comparisons that keep you feeling inferior.
“We have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past, or that people will act in a certain way. But we are in charge of our own attitudes.” – Charles R Swindoll