Healthy Living

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Parental Upbringing

Many people who have poor self-esteem developed it during the childhood days. Jack Canfield talks about childhood programming. It is a state of mind and learning where we grow to become what we were taught or made to believe what our parents, siblings and guardians believe.
It is indoctrination. It could be opinion about what we can do or cannot do, how intelligent we are, how beautiful we are or about the economy, government, our neighbours, religion, or any other issue of life. This programming could affect us adversely or advantageously when we become adults.

We all love to be admired, encouraged, praised and loved. This starts in our homes. Many of us are fortunate to be raised in homes that radiate love and attention.
Our parents reminded us by words and actions how precious we are and how much they love us. This display of affection gradually built an admirable image of self-worth. We carried our heads high as “special” children when we are in the midst of other children.
Unfortunately, many children were not so privileged.
They grew up in homes that harboured resentment, brutality, bitterness, pain and sorrow. Homes where the Dad and Mom never agreed. Homes where the children were physically, emotionally, and sexually abused.


The children raised in such homes are usually withdrawn, lonely, brutal and embittered. They attach little or no value to their lives as God’s wonderful creatures, made in His image. They may also treat people with the same brutality they experienced because they don’t value life or regard self-worth.

Also, in situations we were cajoled by our parents or siblings repeatedly reminded us that we are stupid, unintelligent, worthless, never-do-well, too fat, too short, big-headed, and pig-headed. These constant messages gradually get ingrained in our subconscious that that’s what we are. This would affect our opinion about our personality, abilities and potentials.
Parents should avoid using these self-damaging comments against their wards.

Poor Concept about Body Image

A survey by Psychology Today on body image showed that more than sixty percent of both sexes feel their looks are liability to them. They feel something is wrong with their looks. The survey confirms that self-worth is deeply affected by appearance. Those who were teased about their appearance as children are much more likely to carry the residual effects into adulthood than those who did not like their appearance but were not teased about it.

Generally speaking, the higher you rate your looks, the higher your self-worth. The less satisfied you are with your personal appearance, the lower your feelings of worth.

You must appreciate the fact that you are made in God’s image in a fearful and wonderful manner. When you fail to do so, you insult God. You are telling Him that His architectural proficiency is faulty.
Just as Ethel Waters said God doesn’t make junk, He has decorated you with abilities, interests, gifts, admirable personality and sound intellect. He created you for a glorious purpose and greatness.

You are the way you are because you were made for a specific purpose. Your concern should not be how you look but how to identify and fulfill your purpose on earth. Don’t concentrate on your outward appearance but your inbuilt abilities.

Now look at how great God has made you. Do you know that your brain can store one hundred trillion facts? Are you aware that your mind can handle fifteen thousand decisions a second? Have you considered it a marvelous thing that your nose can smell up to ten thousand different colours?
You are a bundle of incredible abilities. Most importantly, you are an amazing creature of the Most High God. What else can be better and more satisfying than that?

There never has been and never will be anybody exactly like you.
So, why don’t you cherish God’s handiwork manifested in you as an individual? Instead of trying to reshape yourself to be like someone else, you should celebrate the shape God has given only to you. Your shape and looks are nothing but God’s gifts to you. You must receive it with thanks.
Develop whatever shape and gift God has given you.
Look smart and beautiful and watch the world celebrate you.

Comparing Yourself to Others

Many youngsters and adults are not proud of their physical appearance. They compare their shape and physical endowments to others. They wish they were taller or slimmer. They wish they had a pointed nose, bigger hips, longer nails, rounded head or bigger eyes. They often admire others but never themselves. They feel inferior to others and often come up short.

Every time you compare yourself to someone else, you will come out second best. When you feel second best, you will act second best.
You will always see the other person as having the better job, admirable body shape, better look, and better height, more money, more wealth, better dressed, better this and better that.

Recommended Books:

The Secret of Supernatural Power, Deliverance and Prosperity

When Trusting God Makes No Sense

Breaking the Hold of Self-Slavery

Stop Existing! Start Living!

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