How to Feel Good About Yourself

I wrote this blog yesterday at AVE from Madrid, when I was thinking seriously about the decisions which may be useful in those moments where we feel unhappy to be who we are.
And I share some ideas, and I would really like to know yours and can build together a list of ideas that can truly serve us, now … some of them:
1. Accept compliments genuinely. When your friend says, "You look great," don't brush her off with "I think these pants make me goofy." Just say "Thanks," and let the words sink in.
2. Give your body respect, and you'll get respect from the rest of the world, too. Even if you wake up feeling lousy - or just lazy - wash your face, comb your hair, brush your teeth, and get dressed in your favorite jeans and t-shirt.
3. Don't waste your time comparing yourself to others.It will only lower your confidence and bring you down. There's no one out there just like you, who was grown up with your experiences and has your talents. Also remember to listen to your body when you play sports. Don't push yourself past your body's limits, even if you're told to toughen up. Your instincts will tell you when to stop.
4. Be confident. Don't trash yourself, and always be optimistic. When you feel low on confidence, think to yourself, "I am awesome, no matter what others say."
5. Make meals something special. Even if you're only having cereal with your siblings, create traditions that will make the moment memorable. Set the table. Take turns sharing funny dreams from the night before. At dinner, dim the lights and have your parents light a candle for the table. Enjoy giving yourself the fuel you need and sharing your ideas and feelings with people eating with you.
6. Know that it's OK not to feel perky or peppy all the time. Sometimes you just have to live with the bad feelings and just know they'll pass. If you feel seriously sad, be sure to talk to an adult who cares about you. Also, when you're in a bad mood, your body knows it. Think about which part of your body gets out of whack when you're crabby or upset. Do you get a stomach ache when you're nervous about a test? Do you get a headache when you feel anxious? If you recognize your body's signals, you may be able to figure out what's bothering you and make yourself feel better.
7. Cheer yourself up when needed. If it's daytime, open up the window and let in some fresh air and sunlight. If it's nighttime, put on some clean pajamas and curl up with a favorite book, movie, or CD. Feeling stressed? Take a warm bath or shower. Imagine the water washing away your worries. Also try to create your own peace rituals. When you're angry or stressed out, take three long, slow, deep breaths. Write in your journal. Turn on some of your favorite music. Find ways to calm your spirit, and return to those practices whenever you feel anxious.
8. Start a dream list. Find a pretty notebook and write down places you'd like to visit, experiences you'd like to have, people you'd like to meet, and skills you'd like to learn. A dream list is a great start to creating a life filled with fun, adventure, and interesting experiences. Put a box next to each item on your list so you can check it off when it happens.
9. List all the things you're good at, whether it's math or being funny. If you feel down about yourself, look at the list you've made, and remember - you rock!
10. Develop your own style. Experiment with clothing to see what makes you feel the best. Some days you might feel girly and fancy - other days you won't! That's OK. This week, visit a clothing store with a friend and pick out five new outfits in colors and styles you'd never consider wearing. Then have fun trying them on! Don't be surprised if something you thought would look awful actually looks good on you. Have a laugh at the ones you don't like.
11. Don't care about what other people think. Have you been hurt by words? Remember this: People who insult others usually do it to make themselves be powerful. Know what that means? They're probably insecure. They are the ones who lack confidence, so try not to bend into the pressure to return their jabs with an insult.
12. Learn something new. Read a good article about something going on in the world. You will feel like you are knowledgeable about some current events, and it will give you a sense of self-importance.
13. Look for the beauty in others and embrace it. Finding beauty in those around you gives YOU a more beautiful spirit.
14. Just go for it, take everything that you hate, love, and ignore about yourself, and just love it all. Difficult as it may be just go for it, second guessing is worse than being let down... get out and find out for yourself... rejection is the first stage to success reiterated in my own words...
15. Believe in yourself. Though it may sound cheesy, it actually does make you more confident. Believe that you can accomplish whatever task is at hand. When you finish, you'll feel good because you knew you could do it. So don't give up and try your best.
16. Help others so that you'd gain appreciation from others, and so, by time, your reputation among that group would flourish and grow... Every body will love you thereafter.
17. What does it take to live like your role model: Imagine living today, how your successful role model would have lived. Take the course of action as you think - how generously he/she treats people, how he/she reacts to disappointing/insulting situations, how graciously they live every tiny moment of life & enjoy the purpose of living. Specially if you are feeling low, close your eyes and imagine how your role model would have handled the situation.
I hope your comments.
And I’d like to dedicate this blog especially to people who have chosen to be herself and leave the "box" so I would like to make a request: Please share your secrets!

Have nice great weekend friends!

Lorena