Cycle 6 Session 29 - Self-Esteem & Self-Awareness 

Self-Reflection Questions 

WHO has tried to influence how you feel about the way you look? 

WHAT are 3 things you would never want to change about yourself? 

WHERE are your boundaries when it comes to retaining your authenticity?

WHY does self-esteem change so often?

WHEN you look in the mirror at your entire natural self, can you say "I love you" to yourself? Why?

HOW do you feel about being unique?

Self-Esteem 

Let's start from the beginning. When we were born, we had no self-esteem, no opinions, perceptions, or views about ourselves. We learned these things from the opinions of the people we came in contact with. We believed that information to be true and used these beliefs to compare ourselves to others. This then became a part of our belief system. Some of us were told to put it into our Values, some of us were told that it was a part of our physical health, and so on. Either way, as children, we were told how to fit how we look into our V.E.S.P.M. beliefs.

Self-awareness 

The conscious knowledge of one's own character, feelings, motives, and desires. Can set boundaries around what one likes and dislikes. Feels comfortable with oneself and choices in life. Able to read a room and maintain self-respect. 

Self-consciousness 

Being preoccupied with the fads in their social circle. Willing to adjust according to what others like, even if one is uncomfortable. On the search for developing one's true self.

Low self-esteem

Feeling uncomfortable in one's self, never feeling accepted in any circle, but having a desire to be. Feeling unworthy, fear of not being valued by another person or group. 

Examples:

E1. (A) Someone says, "You look nice today". (B) Based on what you believe, (C) you smile, and say Thank you

E2. (A) Someone says, "You look nice today". (B) Based on what you believe, (C) you feel insecure, and may say something negative about the compliment.

E3.  (A) Someone says, "You look nice today". (B) Based on what you believe, (C) you get offended, and may say something mean or start an argument.

Self-Reflection Points

• Self-esteem is created by your belief system. It's mental, what you choose to focus on.

• Even if you don't believe it at first. Every day, look in a mirror and say who you are out loud. Send a positive message.

• We must be aware of what we fill our minds with. What we watch, listen to, and read about. 

• It is important that we all feel valued. If you are in a place that doesn't make you feel valued, remove yourself or create your own safe space within your personal space with music and positive words, etc.

• Spend time with people who value you and remind you that you are awesome!