“Congratulate yourselves if you have done something strange and extravagant and broken the monotony of a decorous age.” Quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson
Before you start planning that new diet or swearing off cursing, try doing something unique and strange to start 2008 off. Congratulate yourself.
The merits of congratulating one's self are high because they are connected closely with self love a.k.a. self-esteem. Without either, it's arguably hard to do any thing great. Plus, even if you do, you self-deprecating mind set won't allow you to enjoy it. As a result, it's important to get the gray matter between your temples in order and positive - towards yourself.
The awarding-winning medical center, the Mayo Clinic, identifies factors that combat self-esteem. These mentalities are ones that an average individual must avoid in order to feel good about himself or herself. Here are three you might be familiar with.
Black-and-white thinking. You have a view of the world that is black or white. Either things are good or bad. Your self talk goes something like this “I failed at my marriage, so I failed at life.”
Rejection of positive feedback. Are you able to take a compliment? If you can't do it, it's a sign that your self dialogue is negative and tearing away from your over-all self-esteem.
Feelings equal facts. You believe that how you feel is an actual fact. So, if you feel ugly, you must be ugly. You think it's true even when facts tell you otherwise.
These are only a few of the mentalities that can make the average Joe or average Jane hate himself or herself. By working on turning them around, an individual can feel much better and fast. However, there is more help. Below are seven things anyone can do now to feel happier about himself or herself.
Write Yourself a Thank-You Note
Have you done anything great lately? Did you help your child complete a stressful home-work assignment? Did you work overtime to make sure things at work went smoothly? Did you lose 2 pounds without even trying? Look around and make a list of what you've done well recently and mail it to yourself. It'll be the best letter you ever got.Take Five Minutes to Tell Yourself how Much you Love You
Are you lonely? Do you pray for someone to love? If so, start with yourself. Tell yourself audibly why you are happy and in love with you. This feeling will attract the outside love you desire.Practice Saying "No" to Yourself
When you start to say something negative about yourself or even think it, say "no." You can speak it audibly or say it in your head. Either way, you can't allow yourself to beat the closest person to you up any more.Reward Yourself
Have you been waiting to do something when you lose those last ten pounds? Is there an activity that always makes you feel good when you do it? Reward yourself with it for just being you.Accept Any and All Compliments
The next time someone compliments your new hair cut or dress, just say "thank you." Don't fight it. Don't diminish it. Not even in your head.Speak the Truth
Don't down play your achievements. If you worked hard over the past several years to build up a writing career, say so. Say it with thanks-giving and happiness because you've been able to reach a goal. After all, saying it is only speaking a truth about your life.Model Others
Do you know someone who has a great self-image? If so, do what they do. Like any other mentor, they can help you get better in an area of their expertise.
Finally, start this year off right by congratulating yourself. You made it through the last 365 days. Even if it was hell, you proved your durability by waking up each day and walking through it. Congratulate yourself and plan to make it successfully through another year.
