Embracing Self-Love and Overcoming Negative Thoughts

Welcome to the journey of self-discovery and growth. If you're currently in the 'low self-esteem zone,' know that it's perfectly normal to face these challenges. But the good news is, with a little effort and the right mindset, you can move beyond them and live a happier, more fulfilling life.

Understanding Your Current Situation

Before we dive into the solutions, let's take a moment to understand how you got here. Analyze the root cause of your low self-esteem. Is it from friends, relatives, family members, or even your boss at work? It might be a combination of multiple factors. Knowing the source can help you address the issue more effectively.

Assessing Your Environment

Friends: Do they sometimes body shame you or make negative comments? Relatives/Family Members: Are there any family expectations or conflicts that are affecting your self-esteem? Work: Does your boss or work team create an environment that is stressful or causes you to doubt your capabilities?

Recharging with Positive Activities

To boost your self-esteem, you need to focus on activities that recharge you. Whether it's playing a musical instrument, painting, playing cricket, going to the gym, or any other hobby, engage in activities that make you feel accomplished and fulfilled. Once you start recharging, you'll find yourself with a new perspective and a renewed sense of purpose.

Changing Your Perspective

Once you start engaging in these activities, you'll begin to see the positive side of life. Don't take your life too seriously. Try to see the humor in situations and even crack a joke about yourself. Remember, life is not as awful as it might seem in your current state. I can attest to this from my own experiences. My parents once asked me if I was on drugs because things were better than they could ever imagine.

Specific Examples

Take a look at how different reactions can shape your mindset:

Interview Rejection: You: I am not worth this role. Me: Let's get their feedback and see how I can improve. Friend's Trolling: You: I cry about it for the entire week. Me: I feel proud about having the liberty to do anything and as much as I want without gaining weight. People's Lack of Interest: You: Why do people not care about me? Am I nothing to them? Me: Thank god they don't. Else, they wouldn't let me enjoy my Netflix show in peace.

With these examples, it becomes evident that a different mindset can greatly influence your outlook on life. Instead of focusing on what others may or may not like, focus on what you can do to improve and be the best version of yourself.

A Personal Journey

I understand that the thought of nobody liking you is hard to overcome. Trust me when I say that it's also just you not liking yourself. This is a common phase, and I've been there many years ago. One particular night, I was at a bar talking to a woman celebrating her divorce. We weren't looking for love, but we ended up having three daughters and 40 happy years together. Sadly, she passed away six years ago, and I was just beginning to bounce back when the pandemic hit. For two long years, I didn't have decent conversations with anyone.

Now, I still struggle, but my wife made me promise to find love again. However, I find it hard to talk to women. Life is full of twists and turns, and I sometimes wonder if I'm too old to find love. Rest assured, life is simply what it is, and that's how it should be.

Even if my editing skills are poor, the message is clear: life can be better, and you have the power to make it so.