Accentuate The Positive

How to encourage positive self-image:

Avoid exaggerations. Correct your internal voice when it exaggerates, especially when it exaggerates the negative.

Nip negative thoughts in the bud. Sometimes putting a stop on negative thinking is as easy as that.

Accentuate the positive. When your children are focusing on what they think are their negative qualities, have them accentuate their strengths and assets.

Accept flaws and being human. All people have flaws and make mistakes. They've forgiven themselves; so can you.

Accept imperfections. Perfection is a high goal to aim for -- you don't need to start there or even end there. Make doing your best your ideal -- what more can you realistically do?

Don't bully yourself! "Should have, could have, would have ... " Try not to constantly second guess yourself, criticize yourself for what you "should" have done better, or expect too much from yourself.

Replace criticism with encouragement. Instead of nagging or focusing on the negative (in yourself and others), replace your criticism with encouragement.

Don't feel guilty about things beyond your control. You are not to blame every time something goes wrong or someone has a problem.

Don't feel responsible for everything. Just as everything is not your fault, not everything is your responsibility.

Treat yourself kindly. Do something nice for yourself sometimes -- either in thought (give yourself a compliment) or action (treat yourself to a nice dinner or new book.)

Give yourself a break. Give yourself permission to decide you're doing the best you can.

Choose the brighter side of things. You can choose how to interpret comments and events, so try for the more positive interpretations.

Forgive and forget. Try not to hang on to painful memories and bad feelings - this is a surefire way to encourage negative thoughts and bad moods.

Focus on what you CAN do, not what you can't. Focus on what you're able to do. Remind yourself of all your capabilities and positive qualities.