Life provides us with endless opportunities to deal with unforeseen circumstances. To find the strength to change the circumstances around us, first and foremost, it is important to change our own way of thinking and develop a positive but realistic attitude toward ourselves, appreciating our worth.
Therefore, at the core of our resilience is to nurture a positive sense of ourselves in a way to become confident of our ability to solve problems and trust our instincts. In this regard, the goal should be to build our self-esteem and adopt a positive thinking on a daily basis in order to see opportunity in every challenging situation. Positive thinking can give ourselves a more positive self-concept, removing the internal barriers that can keep us from doing our best.
Positive affirmations and tips as suggested on the right can help in developing a healthier and more accurate view of ourselves, thus challenging the distortions in the mirror. Self-esteem is actually self-respect!
Seeing the glass half full for ourselves
Positive affirmations can change our self-talk in a positive manner on an everyday basis. Here are some suggestions:
- ‘’I love myself for who I am’’
- ‘’I am flexible and can handle change in every aspect of my life’’
- ‘’I have the courage to make my dreams come true’’
- ‘’I can accept that I can’t please everyone’’
- ‘’I know what I want, and I make it happen’’
10 Tips for developing a positive self-image
#1 Stop self-criticism
Commit to not allowing unkind words about your body or yourself to enter your mind anymore.
#2 Stop comparing yourself to others
It’s a losing battle to try to be like someone else, so instead, focus on being your best self.
#3 Spend time with positive people
Surround yourself with people who love for who you are; avoid toxic relationships that hold you back
#4 Practice gratitude
Be grateful for your good qualities and allow yourself to recognize and honor them.
#5 Adopt a positive posture
Try standing up straight, shoulders back, chin held high, stretching your arms out as wide as they can go and feel powerful!
#6 Don’t label your thoughts
Practice monitoring your negative thoughts and catch yourself before falling into the trap of self-criticism.
#7 Practice kindness and selflessness
When you make a difference in someone else’s life, it can lift your own spirits in return.
#8 Channel your inner rock star
Accept that we all have our strengths and weaknesses; neither quality defines our core worth
#9 Focus on what you can do instead on what you can’t
Don’t bully yourself; avoid thinking of what you “should” have done better or expecting too much from yourself
#10 Choose the brighter side of things
If someone says, “You look good today,” don’t ask yourself “What was wrong with the way I looked yesterday?”
- ask a good friend to point out your unique gifts
- breath out and think: “Was there a time in my life where I had better self-esteem? What was I doing at that stage of my life?”
- Change your story: Turn ANTs (automatic negative thoughts) into PETs (Positive Empowerment Thoughts)
- Be mindful: When you find yourself going down, note what is happening and remind yourself “These are thoughts, not facts.”
BUILDING RESILIENCE: Read in this series
