Something we each cherish is to feel loved, valued, and a sense of worth. Most of us grow up being told treat other like you want to be treated. I agree with this, almost. If someone has a low self-esteem and has had this for a very long time, they will use this saying to keep treating others around them the same way they have been treated and this is not good. So how should we interact with each other and also teach our young adults likewise?
Well, let’s start with what not to say. Don’t say “don’t” or “stop” or “no”. When you tell a teen, and some adults, these words they usually do the opposite. What needs to be said is why they shouldn’t be doing what they are. When you let them know the consequences of their actions it gives a more concrete answer. Go beyond the negative. Give alternatives that are appropriate and may go further to getting the person to explore and solve issues, versus being turned off and do whatever again.
Great communication goes a long way whether to a teenager or an adult. It can also go a long way to raise self-esteem. Along with giving alternatives and helping solve problems, praising others for their positive actions improve communication and make others feel better about what they are doing. It also raises that all important self-esteem.
Whenever possible, let’s lift each other and give a self-esteem boost. A positive attitude and strong self-esteem get more problems solved, get more work done, achieve more learning than talking down to someone or calling them a failure.
We all do fail sometimes, but we learn from those failures. Do not tear someone down for a mistake. Help them learn from it. We’ve all been in that place of fault. Reach out with grace instead of disgrace. The greatest athletes, scientists, etc. have made many mistakes in their time. But without those mistakes we wouldn’t have such things as the light bulb, a television, or a wheelchair.
Let’s work as a community to achieve the things we have inside all of us. Bolster each other, be realistic in your communication, but positive. Too much praise can be just as bad as no praise at all. Balance your life with challenges and positive interactions. Each challenge will solve problems. Each positive interaction will give you the self-esteem boost to fail again only to get up, brush off the negativity, and try again.
First order of business. Share this with others. Give them the boost they need to make this the planet it can be, not just the planet we’ve been reserved it to be. We are the world. No matter your abilities or disabilities, you and I make a difference in this world.
