Self Esteem....

Debbie has been posting on her blog about self esteem.....I commented that on LP recently there was a discussion (If you really knew me....)that focused greatly on self esteem......

When this topic came up I was really saddened to read that so many wonderful women that I admire have such low self esteem.....

So why is this? What effects your self esteem? Does it vary on different days/ times of the month....or is it a general thing? Does your childhood effect it? Relationships as adults? Jobs/ careers/ roles?

And then I was thinking about my friends and their self esteem.....and most of my friends seem to have quite high self esteem......Christie especially :) Christie I admire greatly because she has been through so much and yet has really worked on her self esteem through it all and it really shows :) I think thats why I love being around her - because she is so comfortable in her own skin - in who she is and thats just so good to be around - there is no competing there is no judging.....just acceptance....

And what is self esteem about? Is about physical appearance? weight/ style/ hair/ .......I don't think so...I'm a bit overweight and not particularly beautiful but I think I have a good level of self esteem :) so it isn't that - it must go so much deeper........

And if you have low self esteem what can you do to change that?

Do the people around you effect your self esteem? In my experience they do.....I know Lloyd boosts my self esteem constantly and thats wonderful - it really DOES make a difference.........

This whole self esteem business puzzles me...why are some people lacking self esteem and others not? And where does one begin to work on this?

I would love to hear your thoughts and experiences on this issue......what you have learnt/ tried/ lost and gained........how you view your own self esteem issues.....any good books to read on the subject.....