Self Esteem and Body Image

Self esteem is a justice issue: as long as we are held back by not believing we are good enough, we will never act. More than other justice issues, self esteem is between a person and the Sacred. For this reason, unlike other rituals here, this is written specifically for personal use.


The Sacred does not make mistakes.
The Sacred does not make junk.
I am here for a reason.
I am necessary and important.
I am beautiful.
I am loved.
I am good enough.
I will repeat this until I believe it.
[You are invited to do just that, ending with:]
Let it be.


Song: Good Enough by Darren Hayes


I have been told I am unworthy.
I have heard it so often I have come to believe it.
So I withhold love from myself.

It is so easy to judge myself:
Am I smart enough?
Successful enough?
Beautiful enough?
Loving enough?
Rich enough?
Thin enough?
Good enough?
Have I given enough?

I know how to criticize myself.
It's something I'm very good at.
But I realize now that all self-criticism does is keep me down.
It keeps me from recognizing the beauty of my spirit.
So I must learn to love and accept myself as I am.

May these words fill me with love for myself.
May they transform me with new appreciation for all that I am.
May they resonate through my body, mind, and spirit.

I am worth caring for.
I am worth a life I love.
I am worth loving relationships.
I am worth wonderful work.
I am worth positive thoughts.
I am worth working for justice.
I am worth a healthy body.
I am worth happiness.
I am worth love.
I am worth Life.

Not only am I worth it, it is my Divine Right.
I am loved by the Sacred, and must do no less than to love myself.

Let it be.
(Adapted from "Prayer For Self-Esteem & Self-Worth" by Clyo Beck.)


Silence


Body, Mind, and Spirit Vows

Today and every day, I will:
-Do the little things that will keep me happy and healthy.
-Appreciate what makes me different from anyone else.
-Love that I'm unique and beautiful inside, and try to feel the same about the outside.
-Never hide the real me.
-Accept that my body will change, and that's okay.
-Be supportive.
-Put my energy toward things I care about, instead of wasting it on self-criticism.
-Remember that the sun will rise tomorrow, even if I eat something unhealthy or miss a workout tonight.
-Never blame my body for my bad day.
-Never join in when others compare and criticize themselves.
-Never allow someone else to influence how I feel about myself.
-Never dismiss a person before getting to know them.
-Focus on all the amazing things I can do.
-Quiet the negative inner voice.
-Never accept or tolerate unconstructive criticism.
-Remind myself that no one looks absolutely incredible all the time.
-Remember that everyone has problems.
-Respect my body.
-Respect myself.
-Realize that the mirror cannot reflect who I am inside.
-Know that I am beautiful just the way I am.
-Not let the scale or my clothes size define me.
-Surround myself with positivity.
-Celebrate myself.
-Remind myself I am good enough; I am worthy.
-Accept that beauty isn't just about looks.
-Recognize that self esteem is a journey, and not beat myself up if I falter.
-Love myself as I am.

Let it be.
(Adapted from "The Body Peace Pledge" from Seventeen magazine)


*****


Suggestions For Moving Forward

1) Create and repeat an affirming mantra to remind yourself of who you are.
2) Listen to your positive inner voice. Do what is right for you.
3) Celebrate your small successes.
4) Care for yourself. Treat yourself like you would your best friend.
5) Communicate with positive, uplifting people.