Remember the book review I did on “On the Wings of Self Esteem” by Dr. Louise Hart last month? Well, I recently had the opportunity to interview Dr. Hart on her book and how self esteem relates to beauty. Take a look:
What defines self-esteem?
Very simply, it means esteeming yourself. Self-esteem is essential for mental health and well-being.
There has been a lot of confusion about self-esteem. I want to clarify that it is NOT egotism, conceit, and narcissism.
Real self-esteem means knowing you are lovable, worthwhile, cand capable.
Can those who have lower self esteem build it?
Absolutely! As adults, we are in charge of our self-esteem. In my book —On the Wings of Self-Esteem— I discuss many, many ways to do that.
If so, what are the best ways to do that?
Perhaps the most important way is to become aware of your self-talk, the inner commentary on everything in life. Once you notice the negative talk – the “stinkin’ thinking” – you can begin to talk differently, to encourage yourself and become your own best friend. It’s a long-term undertaking that begins with paying attention, with becoming aware, with becoming more positive and uplifting. With awareness comes choice.
Here is one of my favorite exercises: Make a list of 20 things you love to do. Then, every day do at least one of them! If you are low, depressed, or depleted, do 5 or 10 of them. During the hardest period of my life, I had my list on the back of the bedroom door. Before I went to bed, I checked off what I had done; if I hadn’t done my “homework” yet, I got to it—read, danced, took a hot bath…. This powerful exercise helped greatly then, and still does today.
What is the best defense against low self esteem for those in an unhealthy environment?
The first thing is to realize is that you have lots of choices! Develop inner and outer supports. Build more positivity into you life. Learn new skills—self-esteem, assertiveness communication skills. Develop inner strengths. Protect yourself and your children. Read my books. Take care of yourself and your children. Try to change the environment. Seek professional help.
How can children garner high self esteem?
Parents are in charge of the self-esteem of their children. My first book—The Winning Family: Increasing Self-Esteem in Your Children and Yourself—is packed with tips and tools focused on self-worth.
To you, how does self esteem relate to beauty?
Inner well-being and joy radiate to others as confidence and beauty.
How did you come up with the Caterpillar to Butterfly analogy?
Years ago a friend commented: “Louise, it seems as though humans have a reverse metamorphosis. We start out as beautiful butterflies, and then are turned into caterpillars. We spend the rest of our lives trying to remember and become the beautiful creatures we once were.”
This observation was so powerful for me that I wrote about my personal metamorphosis from caterpillar-back-to-butterfly to help others who are on that journey of transformation.
Check out these links to view a video of On the Wings of Self Esteem or purchase the book.