Perhaps the greatest mistake we make, which causes a loss of self-respect, is making the opinions of others more important than our own opinion of ourselves. Self respect means just what it says – it originates from the self.

It takes courage to break free from the chains of limiting belief patterns and societal conditioning that have traditionally kept women suppressed and unable to see their true beauty and power. Women, I encourage you to see and bring forth the beauty and strength within yourselves, to be inspired to be the best you can be, and to let your essence shine through. For those of you who are in challenging circumstances, the words here- can help you find some peace and some strength to begin to turn your life around.

The Change Starts With You.

You only need to take small steps at a time. And remember that you are not alone.
Regardless of our present or past circumstances, the important thing is…. everything that is happening or has happened is for a reason. In reality, there are no victims. We each have a different sad story to tell, there are thousands of them. But the common thread that runs through them all is that we have at some point lost our power, or it has been taken away from us, or we have just plain given it away.

“In the seamless stitching together of life, work, and art, the thread of divine order is woven.”- Sarah Ban Breathnach

A poor self image leads to problems relating to other people, and excessive time wondering how others perceive us. However if we are happy in our own skin, then we begin caring less about what people think about us, and more time caring about people.

Self Esteem and Happiness:

* Listen to your inner voice and follow it for it is wisdom and knows what is best for you.
* Talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.
* Think only of the best, to work only for the best and expect only the best-you deserve nothing less.
* Care about the happiness and success of others and offer them all the help and encouragement they need.
* Forget your past mistakes and focus on your successes encouraging yourself to greater achievements in the future.
* Always do your best so you can be proud that you gave it your best shot.
* When you help someone ask nothing in return, you will receive your reward ten times over.

Don’t be afraid to go out on a limb…that’s where the fruit is …The hardest challenge is to be yourself in a world where everyone is trying to make you be somebody else. — E. E. Cummings

Insist on yourself. Never imitate – Ralph Waldo Emerson

A List of positive affirmations:

* I deserve to be happy and successful
* I have the power to change myself
* I can forgive and understand others and their motives
* I can make my own choices and decisions
* I am free to choose to live as I wish and to give priority to my desires
* I can choose happiness whenever I wish no matter what my circumstances
* I am flexible and open to change in every aspect of my life
* I act with confidence having a general plan and accept plans are open to alteration
* It is enough to have done my best
* I deserve to be loved

Our happiness depends on the habit of mind we cultivate. So practice happy thinking every day. Cultivate the merry heart, develop the happiness habit, and life will become a continual feast.

-Norman Vincent Peale

Tags: goals, life, Personal Growth, Self-awareness