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Self Esteem - Self Concept


To confuse our Self Esteem, with our Self Concept,

is a serious and dangerous error !


What we think of ourselves,
This is Self-Esteem.

What we believe our abilities,
talents and purpose to be,
and what we feel others think of us;
This is Self-Concept.

Self-Value is a thing we each do daily !

We e"value"ate our Selves

and often confuse "Esteem" and "Concept".

Self-Valuation should never compare our behavior
with our ideals of another's behavior.
As we might visualize someone from a movie we've seen.
Self-Valuation should not be focused on our behavior

as it should on our being...

our being Children of God.


Self-Valuation should be compared to our feelings for our children

or a long beloved pet, or friend !

Not based on "What have I done lately ?"
Based upon our potential as creative sensitive beings !

Not yet having reached maturity.
We are children,

Watch the other children try to steal your self-worth.

Criticisms that we can't answer or respond to...
Ridicule, that tends to separate us from community with others.


Watch them "try"... to steal,
and then "see through their folly"
We are children, they are children,

We sit at the gate of entry to our attitudes


When I can "see through", I have attained a High & Mature moment.
I keep my self-worth, I salvage genuine self-esteem,

then, the moment and its' victory are MINE !

not resenting others,
not be easily angered,
at peace... "a Child of God"!


Because we are human, we make many mistakes,

from arrogance and meanness, to self pity and incompetence.

So there is no reason to be thrown from our emotional center

when we realize our errant human nature


So, I will no longer judge my self-worth,

based on my varying performance and abilities.

Nor will I dismiss my sense of self-ability

based on an error, or series of errors.


To cling to our mistakes condemns us to repeat them.

It does not help us overcome them.
Also;

To cling to a previous achievement, blinds us from learning and growing.

It does not bring to us additional talents or greater skill.


Today I will remember that I am a loved child of God, and
that Others, whom I care for as real friends, care for me !

But how ? How can I keep my self worth and self esteem
in tact when others criticize and ridicule me ?

when others overlook my efforts and achievements,

and applaud themselves...

or, when I disappoint myself !


How then can I stay balanced within ?
How after such attacks can I be satisfied with my current self image.

Our enemy is not an individual person !
Remember the essence of our true enemies:

Self Pity; Resentment; Arrogance; and Fear !

These are spirits, these are the enemy.
Not ourselves, nor the person they possess.

Look through the person so overtaken.
Do not confuse that person
with the spirit of darkness in command of them.
Nor confuse our own "true" spirit with a temporary spirit of darkness.

So, my newest habit is;

Impersonal observation

of antagonist behavior within myself and others.


I will today look through the person taking from me my self esteem

(even if that person is ME !)

I will see the Spirit that attacks me.
and these very words I will recite:

Spirit of darkness,
leave the presence of my mind.
I will not follow you !
The Spirit of Love is my Lord, and only that spirit will I follow.


As I Do this I establish myself upon the pathway to victory !
I am a wonderful, valuable human being

and there are great possibilities for my future.


Today I accept myself as a wonderful child filled with promise.
Today I acknowledge myself as a worthwhile contributor of effort and skill.
Today, even now, I will ponder to remember a goal for my life.
I will maintain a list of my goals,
and if this goal "positive self-realization"
has not yet been added;
I will add it.

This week I will make certain to reflect upon my life,

review my goals and see my dreams !

I will let this time of review be the substitute

for the many times each week I would spend worrying.


We can not worry about NOW,

we can only live it !


No matter what the odds seem, or how discouraging the moment or time;
I know there is hope !

I know, because I have seen miracles for others.
Life stories that border on the unreal, overcoming great odds...

Because never giving up hope enables us !
Hope empowers us !


Negative concepts of our self worth are not real !
To become deluded with who we are...

based on what we have done, bad or good,
or because of what others say they think of us; Is a serious illness.




SUMMARY/RECITAL


Today I will remember that I am a loved and valuable child of God.
That Others, whom I care for as real friends, care for me !

As I chose which things and projects that I give my time and energy to,
I will also remember the Goals and Objectives that I have selected for my life.

I am not the mistakes I make,
just as I am not the things I've done right !
I am a loved child of God,
precious, capable of great joy, yet vulnerable.
I am not useless, or worthless.
Nor am I without hope of being vital to another.
I am a gem more rare than diamond,
with a future of great potential promise.

I know that I am too often my own worst enemy,
overly harsh when I err.
And, when being self-critical,
I am then prone to be overly harsh on others.
So, today I will stop; when I am criticizing myself...

I will remember the situation, the facts, and

later, when the emotions of that moment have passed

I will consider the learning available from

objective review of my mistakes


So, my newest habit is ...

Impersonal observation

of antagonist behavior within myself and others.


I will today ...
look through the person trying to take from me
my self esteem.

(even if that person is ME !)

I will see the Spirit that attacks me.


These very words I will recite:

"spirit of darkness

leave the presence of my mind.

I will not follow you !"
"The Spirit of Love is my Lord,

and only that spirit will I follow."



I take this moment to silence my mind . . .
~ ~ ~

I now seek to establish the following contemplation:
I call upon my Higher Self,

Guiding Spirit within that cares for my well being !

Guide my Heart towards a kind and loving space.
Lead my mind to Focus !
Deliver my emotions from unwholesome wanderings.
Join me in my planning and bring my efforts into Harmony

with Divine Wisdom and Will !

Bless those efforts with Success
Lead my thoughts away from self-pity, and arrogance !
Fill my Being with Patience; leaving no room for rebelliousness.
Let Gratitude... towards your all pervasive Grace
and Kindness... towards myself and others,

Empower the Joy in my Heart !

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