
Part II: Inner Fire
I sometimes wonder whether self worth or self-esteem is an actual fire or flame that burns within you like the fire of your spirit.
An inner fire that warms deep untouchable parts of your being in a way that it causes you to sense your own value and importance.
What if it is the fire of your self esteem that heats the boiler of your emotional being and puts a sparkle in your eye. When the fire in you is burning hot the boiler produces steam -self esteem- which would mean your life is steam powered. As the steam rises it lifts your spirit, causing you to lift your head and walk tall.
Self worth is built on love, acceptance, encouragement and praise. The fire of our self esteem is fuelled by receiving regular and generous amounts of love, encouragement, praise and hope for the future. Your self worth is simply how much you like yourself. It’s about the level of respect and caring you have for yourself. Self worth is about the level of value you place on your own life. The terms self worth and self esteem mean the same thing.
Therefore, your level of self worth is based on your understanding and belief about the value of your self-identity and its importance in the world.
“I have encountered young people who have had their fire snuffed out.
Where there should be vibrant energetic life I see a cold lifeless shell.”
This state causes a young life to implode and die within.
There is always a story of abuse or neglect that produces a sense of hopelessness and grief. When the fire is burning low, levels of depression are common.
Finding your identity is very important. Strength of character and a sense of confidence in yourself are needed before you can fully accept and become the unique individual you truly are. In the animated film the Lion King the young lion Simba was raised in the knowledge of who he was. He was the Son of the King. The young lion was never confused about who he was.
You are designed for success and you live and operate best when you are in an environment that stimulates success. You need to achieve success to build your self image, so it is important to be doing something. Even when you are not sure about the future it is important to keep moving and don’t stop.