Farewell from Will Redmond: Self-Esteem Lessons Learned

Today, I'd like to wish you all a sincere farewell, as this is my last post for the Building Self-Esteem blog. I've been thinking about my work here at HealthyPlace and would love to leave you with a few reflections.

The Most Important Thing My Self-Esteem Journey Taught Me

As I look back on all of my posts this year, I've found one central theme. Each topic I've covered is rooted in the sense of self (which makes sense when talking about self-esteem). However, the overarching point to be taken away is that you are the only person in control of your self-esteem.

It may seem obvious to some, but those that struggle with low self-esteem, like me, have a tough time understanding that. We constantly battle for affirmation from others without ever giving it to ourselves. And the times I've found the most clarity and positive momentum are when I only focus on myself. I've concluded that it's okay to be selfish when it comes to self-esteem -- because I'm the only person I have to answer to.

Helpful Self-Esteem Boosters I've Picked Up Along the Way

Throughout my journey here at HealthyPlace, I've found some great exercises and tips to help boost my self-esteem. These may not work for everyone, but they've certainly helped me.

• Verbalize or write down your affirmations. Taking a few moments at the beginning or end of each day to remind yourself of all the good things about you can go a long way.
• Forgive your past self. Don't hold on to previous mistakes or shortcomings -- accept them as lessons and know that you will be better because of them.
• Prioritize things that make you (and only you) happy and peaceful. Taking time for yourself helps keep you rooted in your identity and strengthens your self-esteem. Keep doing what makes you, you.
• Continue to try new methods. You'll never know if something helps unless you try it. Branching out in new areas could surprise you.

These are just a few key takeaways from my time writing for HealthyPlace. You could read through my work and potentially find several different lessons. All that matters is that you find something that helps, which I hope I've been able to provide.

Farewell from Will Redmond

With that, I must bid my farewell. I've thoroughly enjoyed my time writing for the Building Self-Esteem blog and have grown tremendously through this process. Interacting with you through the comment section has been the highlight of my day every time it happens. I hope you've been able to foster some positive self-esteem habits through my work -- I know I sure have.