Self-esteem versus self-image

When did you first learn to compare yourself to others? 

I don’t remember when I first started doing it, but I recall a situation recently when I was on the Facebook page looking at pictures of friends and family, and I saw pictures of women my age. I can’t help but compare myself to them if they look fitter than me or look healthier than me. Not only was I comparing myself, but I was also judging myself!  

The truth is, comparing yourself to others is not a bad thing; it’s natural, but what’s not natural is how we sometimes measure our self-worth by this comparison. e.g., am I good enough, am I worthy because I am not like…. The way we measure our self-worth should not be in contrast to others.

The difference between self-esteem and self-image

Comparison! Whether that is a comparison of where we are and where we want to be or comparing ourselves to another person, this can directly impact our thoughts and feelings.

I said comparison previously is not a bad thing; however, when comparison leads to judgement, this could lead to low self-esteem. This is when comparison becomes unhealthy. 

What do we base our self-esteem and self-image on?

Comparison! Whether that is a comparison of where we are and where we want to be or comparing ourselves to another person, this can directly impact our thoughts and feelings.

I said comparison previously is not a bad thing; however, when comparison leads to judgement, this could lead to low self-esteem. This is when comparison becomes unhealthy. 

How to stop comparisonitis

1. Realise your self-image and self-esteem as a construct. It is a construct because image and esteem are based on the thinking we believe to be true about ourselves. In a previous video, I have spoken about personal reality versus universal reality. How we see ourselves and think about ourselves is based upon the thinking we believe to be true.
   
   But all of these things are our thoughts and views. They are not universal truths. When I speak universal truths, everybody looking at something experiences it precisely the same way, e.g.gravity. In recognising self-esteem self-worth as personal constructs, we then can start to question the truth and validity of those thoughts we haven’t believed to be accurate.
   
2. Return to source.
   When we realise and recognise that our true nature is spiritual, our self-image and self-esteem take a back seat as we allow our innate wisdom to take the lead. When you come from the outside perspective, you place greater importance on your self-image and self-esteem. When you start from a place of truth in your true essence, you can still have the thoughts of image and esteem body doesn’t hold the meaning and emotional tension for you.
   
3. Self-esteem and self-image are all an illusion.
   We create our self-esteem and self-image through comparison because this is where society would have you look at the outside and the only way to improve outside is to do or buy more. But when you recognise you are enough, you can realise that you are a phenomenal spiritual being having a human experience. You see the thought for what it is an illusion that has no power over you but for the power you give it.

In conclusion

So in looking at self-esteem and self-image, they are different and yet have a direct impact upon each other, however, none of that is essential when you look to the actual source and your true nature.

If you would like to know more and explore further to rediscover your true identity and click the link below

---