A Healthy Self-Esteem

[StressBuster]

"A person with a HEALTHY self-esteem (neither high nor low) accepts and loves herself/himself unconditionally, acknowledging both VIRTUES and FAULTS in the self, and yet, in spite of everything—is able to continue to love himself/herself."

[Sydney51]

Wow so true !

[Findingme]

On the basis of the above definition I have to agree with you that high self esteem can be a bad thing. This was not my understanding of the term, but I get what you are saying.

[secondhandrose2]

Well that's the theory anyway. Most of us are human and don't really love ourselves or hate ourselves, we just are. But I guess those with good self-esteem are able to ensure life goes as well for them as it can without damaging other people.

[Photogeek in reply to secondhandrose2]

Sue as always you talk sense. All the theory in the world is just theory.

I would love to know or hear Stress Buster say how things are for him,

It's all very abstract, I feel these Posts Intellectualize the issue of

Self esteem, rather than what he thinks or feels.

Hugs to you Sue,

Hannah xx

[secondhandrose2 in reply to Photogeek]

Hi Hannah,

Thanks for your compliment Hannah, I didn't realise that I hadn't taken that in - or thanked you for it!

Of course, each of us writes what we are able to at the time depending upon how far we have come in our journey through growing and turning to others for support. When stressbuster feels able to then he will write differently.

Hugs to you too, one of my good friends online.

Suexx

[StressBuster in reply to Photogeek]

Hannah, things have been tough for me—I've suffered from a low self esteem for a long time—but if I had to compare my self esteem as a teenager vs. today, I have to say there has been an improvement. And that's a positive! Sometimes we need to intellectualize thoughts and ideas before they cement in our head.

[Findingme in reply to StressBuster]

One thing that I know from experience is that out of all the people I know with healthy or high self esteem, the ones who have experienced bad times are usually nicer to be around. People who have only ever had love and support, who have grown up thinking they are wonderful and do not need to impress others are super, do not get me wrong, but they can be rather dismissive of other people's problems. People who have been the underdog, whose parents belittled them or who have few natural skills and talents, can also be the kindest, the funniest, the most understanding and patient of people. I guess it takes a lot more than just healthy self esteem to make a person worthy in this life.

[Photogeek in reply to Findingme]

Hi Finding Me yes I agree, people with perfect type

Lives and very Hugh self esteem can sail through

Life and can come across as boring and can sometimes

Lack empathy . I have rarely met a person who has

Suffered from Depression who was not a kind and

Understanding person, they know what suffering is,

So can relate to the pain of others.

It's interesting to talk about these things, so thanks to

Richard for getting us chatting.

Hannah xx

[secondhandrose2 in reply to Findingme]

Yes I agree with you, people who have not known hard times can be well meaning and caring but far less sensitive than many people who are clumsy socially and maybe depressed but are also aware of the fragility of all of us.

Suex

[Photogeek in reply to StressBuster]

Hi Richard that's very true, I'm glad that you feel that

There is an improvement in self esteem and that you can see it.

I think Depression lowers our self esteem , that's been true

For me, but I guess like you mine has improved. Life

Can be tough but conquering the hard things can help

Us to see the increase in self esteem.

Richard have a nice weekend and give yourself lots

Of TLC , you deserve it.

Hannah x

[secondhandrose2 in reply to StressBuster]

Richard,

That is absolutely true - we need time to internalise things until they become a part of our identity.

Glad things are improving for you.

Suex