The Importance of a Positive Self-Concept

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It is interesting to me how important our relationship with others (social concept) ties into our relationship with ourselves (self-concept). Why? Because I believe that although it is important to develop independence and appreciate individuality, we are meant to love and be loved. Our relationships encompass many different degrees of love, and without compassion for self or self-love, it is impossible to wholeheartedly feel the love of another.

We hear much about self-esteem and self-confidence, but I believe self-concept is more like an umbrella and encompasses many facets. 

I believe these 3 “S’s” to be most important to our well-being; self-awareness, self-compassion, and support.

With this agenda, and by embracing it authentically, we can improve our self-concept, which will, in turn, help us change ourselves and our world by positively impacting the relationships in our lives.

I’ve been working on tweaking my article all week because of the importance of my message about the power of positive self-concept. When you have it, you will shine!

Tell me what you think. Does this make sense to you?

Make Yourself Smile

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Today, while I was in the women's prison, co-facilitating a therapy group, I participated in a meditation. It was an empowerment exercise about gathering and feeling our power. We first grounded ourselves by planting our feet firmly on the floor and sitting up straight. Then we started deep breathing. We pressed our hands together and then pressed our feet firmly onto the floor to gather our strength. Then, we released and repeated the process. The person who led the meditation instructed us, and as we released the energy, she told us to smile the victor’s smile. This was described as a half smile.

It got me thinking about smiling and all of the benefits this small thing can give us.

Amazingly, a smile can create endorphins (a feel-good chemical), lower our heart rate, reduce stress, and boost our immune system.

I mean, come on, we’re talking about a smile. Pretty cool, huh?

How often do you think you smile in a day? However often it is, I don’t think it is enough. I challenge you to be aware of your smiles and face each day with an intent to share more happiness with the world; let's smile away, my friend!

Deal Breakers

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If you feel you have lost your identity and/or you are often self-sacrificing in your relationship, dig deep within and work on developing your strength for yourself. This will alter your energy, better align your outside world, and gift a healthier you.

A broken self sends mixed messages because if we are unsure of what we want and cannot communicate what doesn't feel good for us, how can we expect others to understand our own needs?

We must mend our own fractures and be our own heroes, serve self-love first before we can fully commit to a relationship, and maintain our own identity within this union.

We need to go within to gain a clear perspective when we get lost.

Anytime you are bickering over small stuff, it is a sign of a deeper concern; it is symptomatic of an underlying fear. Perhaps, you do not feel partnered or respected. When we have been in a relationship for some time, we believe our partner can read our minds, and we assume things. This is dangerous territory. Communication can keep us in a healthy realm; most of us are not psychics. Of course, with time, we get to know each other and our likes and dislikes, but reading emotions can be tricky; we set our partner up to fail when we expect this.

When an issue surfaces, it is good to consider whether the underlying concern aligns with your values. If not, and it's a deal breaker, practice speaking up for yourself. 

If you want to be in a healthy relationship, start with a healthier you. This shift will offer positive energy into your world, and with some practice in self-awareness and communication, your relationships will start flowing beautifully!

Drop me a note, and let’s talk about what is working or what leaves you feeling alone even though you are in a relationship.

7 Habits, continued...

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Click on the below article link to obtain background information to this blog post:

Examiner article

I have always been hardworking, I think my financially poor upbringing has instilled my work ethic in me and as I grew into an adult I realized early on the value of being authentic. Both of these qualities have helped me earn respect and build long lasting connections personally and professionally.

I struggled in my early business years in trying to achieve a balance between home and work; I gave both my all but in the process I sacrificed much of myself. I had the attitude that what doesn’t break you makes you stronger but I learned we really do have to be conscientious and real about what we can take on physically and mentally; too much can hurt even if it looks like we’re juggling everything well from the outside. This is why I spent a week in the Franklin Covey workshop, which taught good time management and introduced me to the book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. As I said in the article this discovery really did change my life in a good way. I am an organized, assertive, successful person and I credit Stephen’s 7 Habits book as a contributing factor to my success.

I believe Stephen’s book is a worthwhile read that will help you manifest the best of you in your life. He shares humbling personal stories that have helped raise his self-awareness and have transformed his thinking and his life.

The book is full of insight; pick up a copy and leave me your thoughts once you've read it!