As the economy becomes more challenging and the recession gets worse, many of us are facing lower incomes as our services or products are not selling as well as they did a few months ago. In these times we have the unique opportunity to work on our self esteem, which for many of us is tied to how much money we make.
In our American culture, we have been trained from a young age to believe our worth is dependent on material things like our title, position, success levels, productivity, and income. As those naturally drop in a recession economy, we are left high and dry like a beached whale as the tide goes out. You might be asking yourself, “What went wrong?” or even, “What did I do wrong?”
Are you searching your mind these days for reasons for the state of your affairs, blaming yourself for your lower quota this quarter, fewer clients or customers, or lower income? You might find yourself focusing on your flaws or telling yourself things like, “People don’t want what I have to offer,” “I’m not charismatic enough,” or “I should have spent the money differently.”
Are you comparing yourself with others who seem to be doing well at their business, have a secure job, or have someone to support them financially? Mary Oliver, an inspiring poet, writes in her poem “Praying,” . . .”this isn’t a contest but the doorway into thanks, and a silence in which another voice may speak.”
Be kind to yourself. There is a solution, and I call it a “soulution”, because it comes from a place deep inside you, not from the outer world. Practice bringing your focus back to you, away from blame or comparison.
From childhood on, our society trains us to look outside ourselves to get what we need, looking to others for approval and direction, and abdicating our own authority to the people in power. We are not taught to listen to our own intuition or soul’s guidance. It is time to learn how to calm our fears and stay centered in these turbulent times.
One way is to create quiet moments by creating a serene, sacred place in your house or bedroom. In your quiet place, make an altar with items that remind you of peace and stability such as pictures of saints or spiritual teachers, beautiful stones or flowers, and a candle.
Get quiet and bring your attention to yourself. Feel your being, your aliveness. You are a divine being created out of the same elements as the stars. You are Spirit embodied in human form, a focal point, a generator.
In your quiet space, think of all your good qualities and say them out loud to yourself. Think of your skills, your innate gifts, your talents. Think of who you are beyond what you do or how much money you have, and just rest in your being.
I recommend this exercise at least twice a day, stopping what you are doing and focusing inward on building your self esteem, which I call Soul Esteem.
Another precious way to build Soul Esteem is to look in a mirror several times a day and say good things about you: “I am compassionate. I am kind. I want the best for all people. I am smart. I am worthy. God created me. I love me and God loves me.” Relate your strengths and good qualities as you look into your own eyes in the mirror. Look to yourself for acceptance and acknowledgment and be generous in your own support.
It is a rich and beautiful opportunity to heal our self esteem in this recession economy. The issue of low self esteem might have always been there, but doesn’t usually show up when we are doing well and making plenty of money. It appears more readily when things are taken away, and it is one of the blessings in this difficult time.
Now is the time to uncover your Soul Esteem, by remembering your divinity. When you feel depressed, take in the wisdom of the Ojibway Indian saying, “Sometimes I go about pitying myself, and all the time I am being carried on great winds across the sky.”
Blessings on your noble endeavor to transform your self esteem to Soul Esteem!
Transform fears of the economy and resulting self esteem issues with Nina Cherry’s, Business and Life Coaching Nina lives on Maui and coaches people across the U.S. by telephone. Purchase Nina’s coaching workbook, Recreate Your Life From the Inside Out at nina@ninacherry.com