Posted by Dinah on July 7, 2006, at 14:16:28
I've always thought of self esteem as something that could really be gained only through mastery, and acknowledgement of that mastery.
For example, I've always felt like the irresponsible child in my marriage, because I'm more than a little absent minded. But last vacation, I discovered that I have inherited my mother's uncanny sense of direction. And knowing that I was needed, and worthwhile, changed my view of myself just a bit. Enough to make a difference.
But I've also always thought that people should feel valuable and worthwhile separate from accomplishment. Just by virtue of being a member of the human family. Or animal family, since I extend that to nonhumans too.
I'm not quite sure how to reconcile the two ideas.
poster:Dinah
thread:664913
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/esteem/20060706/msgs/664913.html