Self Esteem...

Self-Esteem

You hear the term everywhere -- especially when it relates to girls.  But, what does it mean?

"Self" -- that's easy!  That's you!

"Esteem"  If you look it up in the dictionary, you wil find that it means to "hold in high regard," which means to "really like a lot".  For example, you really like your best friend, you really like your favorite teacher, or you really like a member of your family.  You get the picture.  These are people you like to spend time with, trust, look to for advice and respect them.

Sometimes, it is easy to like who you are.  You feel great about yourself when you get a high grade, a killer haircut, or when everyone laughs at a joke you told.  But there are times when we don't feel that way and we wish we could change how we looked or wished we were someone else.  This is "low self-esteem."

Good News

The good news is that you can learn to like yourself or have self-esteem all the time.  You are in control of how you feel about yourself!  Sometimes the way people around us feel about us effects our vision of ourselves.  If a friend, family member, or teacher has an opinion of us and we value what they think, they can effect how we see ourselves.  The same is true for television shows, magazines, music videos and movies.  They tell us how we should act, look or be.  But we are in control!

Why is Self-Esteem Important?

Feeling good about yourself helps us to:

1. •Accept new challenges.  Try a new sport or audition for a school play.  And if you don't make the varsity team or get the lead in the play, you'll enjoy trying and learning more about yourself.
   

2. •Enjoy your life.  Happy people are fun to be around.  A positive outlook helps you make and keep new friends.
   

3. •Believe in yourself.  If you think you can do something, you are more likely to do it!
   

4. •Stay flexible.  Life is changing all the time.  You can't stop it, but you can learn to live with the changes.
   

How Do You Get Good Self-Esteem?

1. 1.Be honest with yourself.  Figure out what your strengths and weaknesses are.  Don't beat yourself up over your weaknesses. Don't compare yourself to others.  Learn to accept who you are.
   

2. 2.Set realistic goals for yourself. Try to get the most out of your strengths without demanding or expecting too much of yourself.  Take one day at a time.  Try to do your best everyday.
   

3. 3.Trust your own feelings.  Listen to yourself.  Pay attention to your emotions.
   

4. 4.Enjoy yourself when you have acheivements.  Celebrate your successful efforts.  Don't downplay them.
   

Does Self-Esteem Mean "Stuck-up, Snobby, or on an Ego Trip"?

No!  Kids who act stuck-up, snobby or on an ego trip are usually trying to pretend they are something they are not.  In fact, they often have low self-esteem.  I

It Ea Is sy to Change Your Self-Esteem?

No.  It means taking some time to understand who you are -- what you like, don't like, feel comfortable with, and what goals you have.  Ask for help to find the answers.  This takes time and hard work.  It's a life-long process, but its worth the effort. YOU ARE WORTH THE EFFORT.

For more information on Body Image and Self-Esteem,
Click Here.

Sites to Check Out

Educating Jane
www.educatingjane.com
Educating Jane is a national site for girls, their parents and educators dedicated to helping girls grow with self-esteem, self-awareness, and involvement in the world.  Personal development is their highest priority and they believe that girls should be free to make educational and career decisions on their individual interests and abilities.

Girls Empowered
www.girlsempowered.com
Girls Empowered offers programs for all girls of all ages to encourage self-respect, personal empowerment, self-confidence, positive body image, and ways to achieve optimal health through exercise and nutrition.