Self Esteem is Multi Faceted

Girls and young people perceive the world according to their experiences. How a girl sees herself in that world can determine her willingness to participate in a positive, neutral, or negative way.

In the book Mother-Daughter Wisdom: Creating a Legacy of Physical and Emotional Health, Christiane Northrup, M.D. explains that self esteem is so much more than “feeling good” about yourself. She identifies the following seven areas of self esteem, all of which are integral to the GirlsMatter program.

We understand that self esteem is a multifaceted and ongoing process in a female’s life. In order to continue to develop and meet the challenges with a healthy attitude, girls and women can mentor each other in all of the following areas to balance their ever-changing self esteem.

1. Physical ability: To feel fit, strong, and flexible in your own body. This increases confidence and a girl’s sense of safety and security in her daily world. Dance, yoga, biking, walking, and sports are a lifestyle investment that last a lifetime to improve longevity and health.

2. Social skills and social behavior: Knowing how to present yourself and respond appropriately in situations to become a person who others want to share time with.

3. Self-discipline: Learning to focus on a desired goal and staying determined even when you are tired, distracted, or discouraged. Keeping promises to yourself and others is a skill which requires prioritizing and builds trust.

4. Self trust: Learning how to “read” and rely on your own feelings to make decisions and have the confidence that you have the information and skills to change that decision if it does not work for you.

Taking the time to understand those who disagree with you can build trust. Is there something you can learn from them or about them? Once you have faced their point of view, then recognize why you stand where you stand. You are able to act on your own perceptions even when others do not agree with you.

5. Financial understanding: You can’t get something for nothing. Your beliefs about money from childhood influence how you handle money as you develop into adulthood. Start an inventory early in life to understand finances and not fear them. Learning about saving, spending, giving, and investing can begin in the elementary years.

6. Talent/skill: Self awareness of each girl’s special interests, aptitude and talent begins to flourish during the teen years if suppression does not stifle the progression. Recognition of one’s own special skills is essential for a lifetime of health and happiness. This also promotes the ability to acknowledge, encourage, and appreciate someone else’s talents. This is a key to balanced social interactions.

7. Positive self-image: The acquisition of knowing your personal style of thinking, learning, and self expression will enable you to accept yourself for who you are at that point in time, and feel secure about yourself.