Esteemed

Where does our value and self esteem come from? Like a tattoo...is it already on us? Do we come into this world with a healthy view of ourselves already handed down from the Master Designer & Creator? Or are we handed a blank slate, so to speak, to be filled with self-images, praise, good/bad feelings, given to us by family and friends, childhood memories, negative thoughts, fears, weaknesses, the like. What gives us our esteem? When do we gain it? When do we lose it? At what point does someone slip into 'low self esteem' as society calls it. Does someone need to rack up 100,000 negative impressions more or less - on that slate and then bam! - low self esteem hits? I tend to feel that every person is a unique imprinted vessel. Given natural inclinations, gifts, tendencies, weaknesses. We are then put on this earth to demonstrate how we will use these powers - for good or for evil. We have the capacity to hold so much, value things, serve others, give and in return be filled to the brim with love and admiration.

Today my youngest was watching her big sister put on a bathing suit at the swimming pool locker room. When her sister was finished and dressed, she looked up at her and told her that she "looks pretty!" So simple. Such a compliment, a sweet exchange. Took less than two seconds. Straight from the heart of a two year old. Where does love and esteem like that come from?