Self-Awareness and Self-Esteem.

As an individual, one has emotions to express and is aware of flaws all around. It is common to cringe at flaws and be ever-enthusiastic to change it and make it perfect. But sometimes, flaws are there to stay and you'll just have to make the best out of it. Awareness is the key to understanding oneself better (both mentally and physically), understand the changes and the reason of occurrence and finally, being fully acceptant about it. As the term suggest - Self Awareness; it is all about you being special is many ways and that your specialities does make a difference in the people around you. Life is too short to be unaware and unappreciative. Every individual has their own positivity to admire and to learn from. Acceptance is the answer in becoming a stronger individual. Some people may have great outlooks on their personalities but in fact, in the eyes of others, it is otherwise. It doesn't pay off to be unaware of yourself, does it?

Move away with Self Awareness and take a step into Self Esteem. It is the companion of Self Awareness when it comes to developing own emotional satisfaction.

People who suffers from low-esteem are ones who are usually really inferior and moody. They tend to be very fragile and vulnerable, like straws in fire. Criticisms are their road to depression and it takes a lot of mental strength to be pull out of it. Low self-esteem usually relates to physical appearances and it's all about sensitivity towards comments by others - fat, ugly, flabby, rounded, lard-face and what have you.
It is definitely hurting in a sense that they are being specifically picked on by their flawed features and this becomes the bane of burden for them.

Life story: When I was younger, my family usually compare me with my cousins, on who is the smarter one. I hate such comparisons because it gets me nowhere. It simply puts me off and it can be degrading when I know that I'm the 'less smart' one amongst them. In class, my best friend would ace in Mathematics while I would get a C grade for it. My mother would cane and reprimand me for all the silly mistakes I'm made and scold me for being stupid. "Stupid" has since been a common self-description for me. I felt so down, so disappointed with myself. In fact, I accepted the fact that I am indeed stupid. I know nothing and the world sees me as nothing. It was a sad experience.

As I grew older, I learn that I should have confidence in myself and prove to others than I am otherwise. Self esteem is all about believing in yourself, taking pride in your work and ultimately, being self appreciating.

Maturely, criticisms are simply words that is not able to hurt your muscles and leave you aching all day. In fact, through criticisms, one can be a stronger person.

It is good to have a high self-esteem. Esteem has the meaning of respect. In other words, it is Self-Respect. A good self esteem would bring in praises, confidence and the motivation to be a risk-taker, the inspiration to be better each day and the sense of self acceptance.

Let's take an example of a slightly oversized lady with a good self esteem would react in the way of criticism:

A guy comments that she is fat and that the view of people behind her is completely blocked out of sight.

High self-esteem reaction: I believe that I may be a little bigger in size than majority but I love my curves. I wouldn't mind losing some weight but it's all about me being who I want to be! I'm perfectly comfortable with my curvy outlook and I think I look rather adorable!

A low self-esteem reaction: Goodness gracious, the world know sees me as the most gigantic human ever. I'm terribly disgusting and people stare at me because of my revolting size in nature. I need to slim down immediately. Should I start with a major diet or should I enrol in slimming? Everyone hates me, I know I'm ugly, loathsome and disgusting.

Stay positive and lead a great life or be inferior every time and lead a miserable life with no smiles? Self Awareness and Self Esteem is the essential keys to upgrade oneself from ordinary to extraordinary. Talents and speciality comes from within and everyone has something special about them - no one is alike.