Otheresteem building does not have to be difficult! You don’t need to start with that person who you have such an awful time with.  You can work your way there by creating opportunities where you experience otheresteem building and the power you hold to feel differently about the people in your life.  It does help, though, to look for a small, daily challenge every day.  Create otheresteem where it has been lacking.  Follow at least one of the practices (accept, appreciate, be grateful, expect the best) with a person or group of people you do not naturally treat that way.  See where it takes you.  Challenge yourself to awareness about your reactions.

Two weeks ago, in the post about blaming we talked about other roadblocks to otheresteem.  One of them is just plain fear of getting hurt.  To practice, be mindful of your initial fears and what you anticipate will happen if you accept that person, or if you express appreciation or gratitude, or if you expect the best and look like a fool.  We all fear rejection, humiliation, being ignored.  Remember you are out to learn the practices and see where they take you.  Focus on creating a different way of valuing others.  This work is within you and not in them.  Yes, you might get hurt and yes, you have control over how you feel.  Allow yourself to experience it first and THEN deal with your reactions.  Recognize your fear and realize that you can still move forward in building otheresteem in spite of it!

What’s your otheresteem challenge for today?

How will you stretch your abilities?

What fear will you overcome?

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