Self Esteem vs. Self Worth; this is a very fine line. The dictionary defines the two words as follows: Esteem – to regard highly or favorably; regard with respect or admiration Worth - excellence of character or quality as commanding esteem   As you can see, one begets the other. Without a feeling of self worth, you would never have a feeling of self esteem. Self worth are those qualities or traits we posses that lead to our being able to love our self (esteem). We all have self worth. The problem is that we don’t always see it, so our self esteem can be lacking. We live in an age where low self esteem is epidemic to our western society. I think this is one of (if not the single) biggest problem facing our youth today. If we cannot see our self worth, and thereby lack in self esteem – if we cannot love our self, ultimately no one else can love us - and that’s the problem.  

So how do we see our self worth? We see our worth by becoming aware and connecting. Do not turn to the environment; do not even turn to your parents. To see your value we must turn within. As the saying goes; “If we do not go within, then we go without”. Then once we see that value within, we can then become aware of how we connect to everyone else in the world. This is achieved most easily through service to others. Once connected we feel our value even more acutely, but within the framework of humility. Self esteem will sky-rocket from there.  

One thing we must be watchful of. There is a mask that some wear, that appears like self esteem. This is the mask of pride. Pride in one self can be (not always) simply a tool to replace true self esteem, so there is a moment of joy in our life. True self esteem is lasting – comparatively, pride fades and is gone in moments.  

Bright blessings ~ Richard