Dear Deb...How can I overcome my low self esteem

Dear Deb...

Q. Dear Deb... How can I overcome my low self esteem? Are there any steps I can take to improve it?

A. The Basis of Poor Self Esteem

other people tell you who you are
you believe what other people tell you
you feel incompetent and unprepared
you feel stupid
you feel like no one likes you
you don't like you

Never let anyone tell you who you are. Everybody is good at something. Get involved in something you enjoy and surround yourself with people who share your interests.

There are some very good postings on the Internet about shyness and low self esteem. Here are some links:

click here (shyness)
click here (low self esteem and abuse)

Dear Deb... This was sent to me in an e-mail. I don't know who wrote it, but I thought you might like to post it on your website.

We're All Beautiful Women!
Did you know ...
-There are 3 billion women who don't look like super models and only eight who do.
-Marilyn Monroe wore a size 14.
-If Barbie was a real woman, she'd have to walk on all fours due to her proportions.
-The average American woman weighs 144 lbs. and wears
between a size 12 and 14.
-One out of every four college aged women has an eating
disorder.
-The models in the magazines are airbrushed-they're not perfect!!
-A psychological study in 1995 found that three minutes spent looking at models in a fashion magazine caused 70% of women to feel depressed, guilty, and shameful.
-Models twenty years ago weighed 8% less than the average woman, today they weigh 23% less.

"Beauty of a Woman"

The beauty of a woman
Is not in the clothes she wears,
The figure that she carries,
Or the way she combs her hair.
The beauty of a woman
Must be seen from in her eyes,
Because that is the doorway to her heart,
The place where love resides.
The beauty of a woman
Is not in a facial mole,
But true beauty in a woman
Is reflected in her soul.
It is the caring that she lovingly gives
The passion that she shows,
And the beauty of a woman
With passing years-only grows!