Improve your Self-esteem by Being your Authentic You

 Some dude named Brian Tracy said, "The great riches of life are self-esteem, self-respect, and personal pride - all based on self-confidence..."


But, you may ask, how do you get these when everybody seems to  hate you?


The answer is, you look inward.  You look inside yourself and identify those things that make you unique.


 Learning to accept and appreciate all the aspects of your personality and embracing your uniqueness (as a gift of life to be celebrated) can start you on your way.


You have to understand that being your authentic self means living according to your own choices, values and beliefs. It means not compromising your values and beliefs just so you can fit in.  


The sooner you learn to do this, the sooner you will appreciate yourself and start improving your self-esteem, self-respect and self-confidence..

Fight so You can Help Others

There are people who could benefit from your experience.


You know hard times, but you’ve got to fight. Don’t give in to the temptation of drastic measures… of the ultimate drastic measure.


You’ll be fighting a battle you can, and will, win.


After you’ve emerged victorious, you can then be of service to others.


You can give hope to many who face the challenges you’ve met. Chances are, you’d be saving lives.


Think about it. Then make the decision to fight, save yourself, then help others.


I know you can do it.

Finding Happiness - Thinking Ideas

Start accepting yourself as a worthy human being with great potential. You should tell yourself you are WORTHY everyday.


 You can find happiness when you start being true to your deepest values.


You  can live a  conscious and responsible life.  

 No matter what anyone says, you have the ability within you to create a life of love, happiness, and success.


Believe that you can  make your own life choices.   This way,  you can be the you that you are supposed to be.

Take Heart, you are Not Alone

You are not alone!  Although you may feel that way at times, you are not alone.

You can call people who care about you  by using the suicide hotlines.  They care, and I care.

You aren't alone.  Many people are working through your same problems, and be sure,  many  have successfully made it  through them.

I was bullied when I was a kid.  Other kids made fun of me... called me names and I often felt alone.  But, I learned that there are people who are willing to listen.

Try my strategy for getting through this:  Find a listener in your own life. 

If you can't find one, use the hotline on the right side of this page.   You need to vent your feelings.  A listener (even a phone counselor) can help you feel connected.

To be sure, a listener may not solve all your problems, but he/she will help you cope with them. 

Something else you can do, is utilize your alone time to express yourself in words.  Write journal entries, songs and/or poems that  contemplate your thoughts.  You could start a blog that draws attention to the kinds of issues that you are facing.  You just might be in a position to help someone else.

Alone? Can't talk to Family or Friends? Try Pseudo-Strangers

I know you feel alone. Nobody understands you, nobody seems to care about you, and you don’t know what to do.

If I am speaking to you, there is something you can try: Enlist the ears of pseudo-strangers.

What are Pseudo-strangers? Let me explain.


When I was young, I would sometimes turn to unusual people whom I am calling, pseudo-strangers.

Pseudo-Strangers were outside my social and familial circles that I could talk to safely. They were people like my doctor, the postman, the lunch lady, and librarian.


I could speak to these people without the fear that what I said would somehow get spread around to my school friends, or family.

Also, pseudo-strangers like these are smart, experienced, and most of all, they are objective.


By objective I mean they didn’t just tell me things I wanted to hear, nor did they judge me. Most times I spoke to those folks, I needed to get stuff off my chest, and I felt better afterward.

Sometimes just voicing your feelings to an attentive ear can help you sort emotions, putting them into perspective.

Next time you are at your wits end, need someone to talk to, but no one is there, think about what I’m saying here and try the ears of pseudo-strangers in your life.

If you do this enough, you’ll find that in all actuality, things are never as bad as they seem because you always have more people caring about you than you realize.

You Are an Amazing Person

Before you do anything drastic, think about the parts of you that make you proud to be alive... Maybe you are an artist, maybe you sing, or yet, maybe you are a poet..  

What ever makes you smile, is what makes you amazing.  This is because no one has your point of view.  You are unique... A person who can help others by being honest and true.

Checking-out doesn't solve things, it just ends them... it just ends you.   Why do that when you can amaze folks with your confidence.

Step out of the shadows, be your own hero and many... that's right, many people will follow your example. 

Isn't life the example you want to set? 

I think it is.   You can live and laugh and the pain can be put away... trust me, it is so.

Finding it Hard to Fit in this Crazy World?

Listen to this Anna Graceman song, "Crazy World". If you change your self to fit in, maybe you are pretending to be someone you are not.

Feeling Almost Ready to give up? Please Wait!

You’ve tried everything. You’ve spoke to everyone you feel safe enough to speak with; you’ve even tried exercising your demons, yet you are afraid you will never live up to anyone’s expectations.

Okay, you’re different. This doesn’t mean you are bad or wrong. God loves you the way you are, and if God loves you, who are they to disapprove?

If you are lonely, your positive outlook will sooner or later attract people who will add happiness to your life. Until then, as the spider in Charlotte’s Web says, “Chin up!”

Hang in there, fight the good fight. Don’t give in to other’s negativity. You can bring light and love into the world that will outshine anyone’s darkness.

Domestic Violence Slideshow - Depeche Mode "Precious"

I spent alot of time putting this slideshow together.  Like the song says, "I hope you learn to turst"...

Tornado Aftermath Reminds us of what's Important

As easy as it is for me to suggest, that we don’t need our STUFF to be happy, it couldn’t be more true.


No, my stuff didn’t get whisked away and smashed to bits by violent winds as in many communities this past week, but I have watched many newsclips showing  people saying, “I lost everything, but it‘s okay…I still have my family.” And ... "Stuff can be replaced; thank God I still have my family."


If times change for you, and you too lose your stuff, I’d suggest you remember what’s important. Somethings are much more valuable than all the stuff you could ever own.


Your Faith in God, your word, your integrity, your family, your neighbors, your freedom, and dare I say: YOUR LIFE.. These are all more important than your stuff.

Finding Value in the Day-to-Day

Consider all the strangers you encounter throughout your day-to-day activities.


Have you ever wondered if your encounter with any of them was part of a plan?


I often wonder if my being roomed with another patient in the hospital is for some reason.


Once, I felt compelled to talk to my hospital roommate about Jesus, but I failed to do so.


I can’t tell you how guilty I felt the next morning when that man died.


So you see, you can be sure that there is a reason for your encountering (at least) some people in your day-to-day.


It may just be that you are the one person who can speak to someone's pain, comfort someone's soul, or soothe someone's heart.


Think about it... Be on the lookout.  

 Keep your eyes open.  Maybe someone else will find value in your day-to-day.

Little Girl Helps Dad Sing: Put a Smile on!

Do you have a frown?  Watch this video and turn it upside-down.


Little Girl Covers 'Home' With Her Dad - Watch more Funny Videos

Claim your Happiness!

You deserve to be happy!   By letting others depress you, you are giving... even throwing, your happiness away.
So, what do you do to claim your happiness?  You do what makes you happy, and let those who depress you turn their 'crap' into 'crap-salad' for all you care.

The point is, no matter who or what we are, there will always be some people who dissaprove.  Therefore, forget about those people and be the 'you' you are meant to be.

A Girl who Wanted to Live

This song is about a girl who never took her life for granted.  This is a girl who fought to live.  There is a line in this song that speaks to me. 

The line talks about looking out the window of the hospital room thinking of when she'll go home ... or something to that effect.  I know this feeling very well.

Listen, no matter how bad off you are, your life is a gift that should not be wasted.

Think of Tawnya when you are feeling like hurting yourself and consider what you have that she didn't... it's spelled out in the song.

Another Moment to Lift your Spirits

Look at how these two interact.  You don't want to dismiss meaningful moments in your own life, no matter how insignificant they may seem... Cheris them ... they are blessings that give life meaning.

Discouraged? Read these Words

From the Song, "His Eye is on the Sparrow".


Why should I feel discouraged,
why should the shadows come,
Why should my heart be lonely, and long for heav’n and home,
When Jesus is my portion? My constant Friend is He:
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.


Refrain:


I sing because I’m happy, I sing because I’m free,
For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.


“Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear,
And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears;


Though by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.


Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise,
When songs give place to sighing, when hope within me dies,
I draw the closer to Him, from care He sets me free;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me;
His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

Now, Listen to the song.

VIDEO: Girl Gives Example of Daily Affirmation

Daily Affirmations are meant to help you feel better about who you are.  check out this girl who was caught affirming things about herself... this is very cute!

Feeling like everyone is against you?

Let me tell you, you’re not alone.


I feel that way sometimes… I think lots of people do. The world can seem like a big-cold-hard-uncaring-place, but that doesn’t mean we can’t face it.


We can be strong.


Today someone was telling me how stupid I am because I said I needed more intelligence on a particular topic.


I didn’t let it bother me though because, although I may be lacking some intelligence on particular subjects, I do have a measure of wisdom in my admission.


I told that fellow that “people who say they know everything, only prove they know nothing“.


So, when people turn on you, remember who they are and ask yourself, should the opinions of unwise (ignorant) people matter? I say it doesn’t.

Don’t give up on life, embrace it

We are all in this together. This thing called life is a finite journey. None of us will be around for ever, physical death will claim us all.

This isn’t a reason to be glum, however, it’s a reason to live to our fullest potential.
And what is “potential”? It’s the day to day joys we feel when we have accomplished even the smallest things.

Picking up your child, hugging your mom or dad, observing that pretty little bird singing from the rooftop.
When we realize we are in this together, we can start relying on each other for support; sharing in the ups and yes, the downs.

Hang in there and pay attention to those things that make up your potential happiness.

It's Okay to be Different; Being Different should be Celebrated

The world wants us all to be the same, but God didn't make us that way.  Celebrate the fact that you are different.

You may be having problems now, but you can get past them.


It is okay to be different. People have problems with things they don’t understand, and since you are different, they have a problem.


The problem isn’t you, the problem is theirs.


I’m not saying your life isn’t difficult, I’m saying you can accept that you are different and you can decide to not care about what they say or do.


You can give yourself permission to love yourself even when the world seems to fall all around you. You are worthy of life.


Live. Live for you


I want to live


I’m just a turtle
Hiding from everything
Words are Bee stings
My spirit pleads for peace.


They sting me daily
Spirit crushing screams for peace
Unheard; I wish I was a bird
I’d fly far away.


That’s my yesterday
Grey clouds dominated
But slowly separated.
I learned about me
And what I could be
This is what set me free.

Be the cure, don’t look outside yourself for it

Are you not happy with your life? Only you can change your circumstances.

Think about what options you have at your disposal to change things.

In the title above, we’re not talking a bout a ‘cure’ for a sickness; we’re talking about a cure of what is making you unhappy… look inside yourself to find it.

Don't point at others who you don't actually control. Don't allow yourself to believe your happiness is dependant on some thing: car, computer, jewelry,dvd player, or anything else.

You are an awsome person who knows how to be happy. You know happiness is elusive, but having it isn't dependent upon having things.

Many, many happy people have very litle.

Thinking of Suicide? Give Yourself Time - Find someone to Talk to Now

Doing something so final will take away the chance for you to experience the good things life has to offer. Believe me, there are good things, and if you give yourself time, you will experience the best of them.


Seek help!


You’ll have to choose someone to talk to. Choose that person carefully.

I bet you already have someone in mind, don’t you? When you start talking to that person, be honest. You absolutely have to let that person know what you are feeling, what you are going through, and what you are considering as a solution.


Hopefully the person you choose is a good listener. You can start your conversation by saying, “I really need someone to talk to. A friend.” Then you can go to a quiet, private place and let it all out.


I am worried about you. I want you to feel love in your life. If you can’t find anyone to talk to, you can use my comment form, leave your e-mail, and I’ll listen (via email).


Whatever you tell me will remain in my confidence.


If you are a gay teen and thinking of suicide, I don’t discriminate. I’ll do what I can to help you as well.


So, give yourself time by finding someone to talk to.

Feel Unloved by your Loved ones? There is Hope!

Maybe the people who are supposed to love you the most are the ones who treat you the worst. If this describes you in your family, there is hope.


If you listen when I say you are a good and kind person; and if you know there is someone out there who loves you no matter what; you can get through these current hard times.


God loves you. He sent his son to bear all our sins. If god would sacrifice his only son for you and I, don’t you think He loves you?


Oh, the world will try to convince you He isn’t real, but He IS real.


You can le5 God’s light shine through you! Don’t let the world smother your light. If you give up living, that’s just what you’ll be doing.


You are too special to let the world turn out your light; let it shine.

Your Courage will get you Through

Do you have an unhealthy addiction? Is your life fallen apart?


If so, you have the power to change your it! You have to realize this, but before you can even use this knowledge you’ve got to be honest with yourself.


Change won’t be easy. Leaving a destructive lifestyle always involves some pain. This is where courage comes in handy. Courage will enable you to do what’s best, despite being painful.


And, you have courage! You are reading this wondering if you have it. Simply admitting you need to change takes courage.


So you see, you can do change your life around. You can realize it won’t be easy; it’ll be hard, in fact. But you can overcome and find happiness again.

Faith and Trust: Different Sides of the Same Coin

Trust, and faith are different sides of the same coin.


Sometimes, relationships don’t seem real. Sometimes there is too much fighting because each person is afraid of what the other might do.


If this fear is not confronted by him/herself, real dangers can result. Fights can escalate, and people can get hurt; or worse.


So, we have to learn how to trust. You have to have faith (know without proof) before we can trust. By the same token, you have to trust in order to put faith in practice.


To have faith and trust, we must loosen the grip on our fears, while being sensitive to the fears our significant others may be feeling.