Recovering your Self Image
We often exit without a healthy self image - especially us ladies. Here is some
encouragement and support.
From Recovery of Your Self-Esteem, by Carolynn Hillman, 1992
COMPASSION: Compassion is like a healing potion that goes directly to where you
are hurting. Listen to your inner voice that is caring, healing, and ready to cheer &
encourage you. IT IS THERE; it's just been stifled for so long you really have to
listen for it.
ACCEPTANCE: No human is perfect, and that includes you. No matter what parts of
yourself you may like to change, it is important to value yourself for who you are
now--as a moving, changing, evolving being with very specific attributes and
abilities.
RESPECT: Women as a group are not respected in our society. Traditional roles are
viewed as not difficult, demanding, or impressive. In the business world unequal
access to the symbols of respect and the need to walk a thin line between being
too passive and too assertive sets women up to feel lesser than most others.
Remember a time when somebody showed you respect when you feeling
down on yourself. Remember the feeling that radiated through you when you took
the comment in as truth. It's time to give that to yourself.
ENCOURAGEMENT: We all need encouragement to set goals and to believe that we
can attain them. Generally, women are encouraged to BE beautiful objects that
should wait to be judged and chosen, rather than to become active, striving human
beings. Often women are very good at encouraging others who are struggling. Take
those same skills inward while acknowledging the realistic barriers most women face,
and the value of valiant effort.
SUPPORT: Have you ever felt so bad that you just wanted to stay in bed and hide
from the world? You probably longed for someone to nurture you and give you
courage to go on. We can be that kind of loving parent to ourselves by letting
ourselves know that no matter what, we will still be in our own corner.
STROKING: Have you ever petted a cat, gently stroking it all over as it purred in
pleasure. Can you remember being stroked this way? A gentle massage? Being
rocked in a nurturer's arms? Let yourself remember in your body. Even if we get little
stroking from others, we can learn to give ourselves some. We can do it physically,
emotionally, with words, with gifts. You deserve it. YOU DESERVE IT!
JanG