Happy Friday

 At the S.M.I.L.E. class last Tuesday night we talked about self esteem.  Those who have a low view of themself usually have “internal dialog” of self abusive thoughts.  What this means is “we talk bad to ourselves”. I can trace calling myself “stupid” back to age 4 (I verified the age with my mom by describing to her the diner where I was sitting in the memory, it was a place she worked).  AGE 4!!!!!!

Ladies – think hard about this, do you do it? Your children or grandchildren might be doing this.  If we are our own worse critic then we are abusing ourselves which naturally leads to allowing others to do the same or worse.  We also might be using the same tone out loud with our children and not even realize it.

Want a solution? Talk nice to your children, even if you’re getting on to them you can do it with a tone of voice that gives them respect and encouragment.  If you talk to yourself (like me).  Start looking for good things to talk about.  I’ve begun little exercises, “I’m proud of you for _____”, or “Ok, that didn’t work out like it could have but we can do better next time.” and “Don’t give up on that just yet we’ve almost got it.”

Be nice to yourself , it’s important because maybe nobody else will be. 

I’ll close with a compliment – to me – the photo at the top is a plant my step-mom gave to me.  The decorations are collected from gifts and precious memories.  This sits just to the right of my desk, I see it everyday.  See the angel with her arms held high, the statue is named “Courage”.  My compliment is this, throughout my life story I have been bad with houseplants and my family pokes fun at me for “killing everything”.  Well – take another look at that plant.  There are 4 blooms about to break open.  My plant, in my office that I take care of.  Not just living but thriving.  Wow !  So, I don’t killl EVERYTHING.  I’m proud of myself .  By the way, I have 7 other plants at my house that are alive and well also.