Self Value, Self Confidence, and Self Love
Let's being with "self value" and see where it takes us. What does it mean to value self? The answer may seem obvious, but I believe we should take a look just the same. After all, this issue can become illusive and slippery as we start to ask larger questions that are connected. For example, who or what is self and what does it mean to value something?
What and/or Who is Self?
Self is indisputable from one person to another. I am myself and you are yourself. You know you are yourself by looking in the mirror and pointing. You can say "there I am" quite earnestly and clearly. If you were to be, on the other hand, asked to describe who and what you are, it gets a bit more complicated. You might begin with the obvious such as a description of what you see when you look in the mirror. You might list your age, and you hair color, and then move on to what is in your life.
What is Self-Value, Self Worth
Back to the valuing aspect, is this what you value? Do you value the fact that you exist independent of others? Do you value your appearance? What does value even mean? Is it to "hold in high regard"? Is something you are happy about? What does it mean to value self? Is this were self-confidence come from? When you value yourself is this the same as loving yourself? Where do we go from here? Are you satisfied. I certainly am not.
Let us be satisfied now with the understanding that self in your case is you, and that to value yourself is to be joyful with your own existence— to be grateful and happy that you are alive. This is fairly easy to establish for anyone in the peace and quiet of their own homes. When you are by yourself, it may be an easy enough argument to make. After all, you have only yourself there to recognize it.
Standing Up for Self
It is when we are with others that this issue becomes confused? How do we stand up for ourselves and make our feelings, orientations and personal truths known to others? Can we value ourselves enough to express our personal truths in public when circumstances call for it? If not, why not? Do all beings have the same value? Are we all equals? Are there ways to develop a stronger sense of self-value? If so, what are they?
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