Not so long ago, there I was, a pre-teen showing signs of socially awkwardness. I was categorised as the weird girl, the one who didn't have feelings. I've changed school five times during my life. It wasn't because of them, but because of family problems.
When I was younger, even then labeled 'weird', I didn't care; I had a mum and a dad. I also had what's called high self-esteem. The comments that I attracted bounced right off. I was happy and whatever other people thought of me didn't matter.
Imagine that on your head is a bird's nest (this is figurative, not literal, ladies and gentlemen!) and there's a bird. The bird symbolises unkind words and comments. You can choose to just let that bird fly over - hopefully no parting present comes your way! Or you can let it land and let those words and comments sink in.
Nobody can make you feel inferior, not without your consent. About three years ago, I was best friends with a girl - let's call her Bob - and she was the girl everyone wanted to be. She was beautiful and slim. I, to be truthful, was not pretty. Bob said that I was too fat and that I needed to lose a lot of weight. Regretfully, I listened. I skipped breakfast and ate little lunch. Three months later, my BMI was down to fifteen whereas before it was nineteen.
I was very pleased with how slim I was but Bob still said I was too fat. She said I had no sense in fashion. She said I was ugly.
I fell for it; hook, line and sinker.
My mum was worried and took me to the doctors. I was lucky and I got help before I developed an eating disorder. Because I listened to Bob, I started to think the things she'd said about me were true. I used to be confident and now my confidence was eroding at an alarming rate - like the cliffs and at my local beach.
Self-esteem is very important. Breaking it down is easier than building it back up. Doing things like surrounding yourself with people who make you feel good, saying positive things about yourself and other people and making new friends are all good ways which can help you raise your self-esteem.
Losing friends, or being caught up in a divorce are things which can lower your self-esteem dramatically. Spending more time with other people or joining clubs can help build your self-esteem back up.
This is for you, gentlemen! It's Valentines Day and I'm a shopkeeper. All I have left is a brown paper bag and a pretty trinket box. Which would you choose for a lady?
And ladies, which gift would you want to receive?
Inside the trinket box is . . . nothing, but inside the paper bag is a real diamond! People who may not appear very interesting on the outside may have an amazing personality. Some people may wear the most in clothes, or have the most friends, but whose to say that the personality inside is worth knowing?
Here's another example:
I have a note which bears the sum of 20 pounds or 20 dollars. I crumple it up - do you still want it? Of course you do! Why? It has worth.
You have worth. You may be crumpled up, then chewed and spat out, but you can dry yourself, repair any damage and be unfolded again. Even if people call you horrible names, YOU are still worth something. Remember, you're priceless.
