"It is not what you are that holds you back, it is what you think you are not." -Anonymous
Self-esteem is one of those things that takes years to build and only seconds to destroy. Over the last several years I have struggled with self-esteem. It has been a constant battle, changing at a moment's notice. Recently I have begun to finally get an understanding and control of my self-esteem and self-worth. It's taken difficult friends, adults who don't realize they're doing harm, and many more experiences to finally realize that I shouldn't have let these experiences shatter my self-esteem. Despite the many experiences, I've learned to be stronger. I've learned not to let words people say break me.
Let me tell you that it was not an easy thing to do. I have been called fat, ugly, dumb, and other names, and yes at first it was upsetting. Actually, at first I was in shock, and then it was upsetting. I let these little remarks bother me for years to come...up until a year or two ago.
Two years ago I was a freshman at University at Buffalo. In other articles, I mentioned that I didn't have a great time at UB, and I eventually transferred. Well, while at UB, I ended up getting anxiety attacks and I fell into a depression. It was then that I realized that I needed to talk to someone. Honestly, talking to someone felt like a huge weight lifting off of my shoulders. Once I began to talk to someone, I realized that I was worth something. I shouldn't let anything that someone says bother me.
I'm in a better place now. And best of all my self-esteem is on the up and up every day. I've learned to be the person that I want to be. So please, next time that someone says something to upset or insult you, let it go. Be the bigger person, and no matter what, don't let it destroy you.
