When I started thinking about these affirmations, I felt that I needed to write one set for self-esteem, and another for self-love. But what’s the difference, I thought?  I couldn’t really articulate it, so I did a bit of research, and found definitions that work for me.

For me, self-esteem is feeling one is worthy of acceptance, love, respect, honor, what have you, from the outside. You feel that you deserve to receive these things – not at the exclusion of others, of course, we are all worthy of these things. But feeling that you are worthy of them from the world, because of who you are and what you can do – ah, that’s the thing. We can sometimes talk a good game, but we know we don’t always feel we deserve the rewards of playing a good game. 

We should be grateful for what we receive, and we should feel we deserve what we receive. Conceited? Entitled? In a healthy person, I don’t think so. We feel resentful when we do a good job, but then don’t receive appropriate compensation. That is right and good. And a sign of healthy self-esteem.

But we’ve all felt that little doubt – maybe they’re right, maybe I don’t deserve what I think I do. We want to be fair and honest. And we should. Just remember to be honest all around – to ourselves and others. If we make a mistake, correct it. If we don’t deliver on what we promised, make it right.

And accept all that life has for us.