For as long as I can remember I have always felt wonderful about myself.  Many of my friends tell me that it is one of my best traits. I am frequently asked how you feel so good about yourself. 

Several things are involved with how you feel about yourself. Genetics, the food you eat, sleep, even the environment influence how you feel about yourself. Researchers have learned that a positive self-esteem actually inoculates you against depression and anxiety, conditions that can ultimately lead to heart disease. 

I am rapidly approaching the big “50”. Once a person reaches age 50 his or her self-esteem can very well take a turn as a result of the changes that may be occurring in one’s life at that time. Marital relationships may be on the break, children are off to college, retirement is near and what we see looking us back in the mirror may scare the hell out of us! “Oh my God I am Old!”

Fortunately for me, my heritage has preserved me well. I don’t have any facial wrinkles thanks to a round face and my hair is as black as “Just For Men” will allow it to be. Soon I will return to my high school weight of 165. 

If you would like to feel great about yourself, there are plenty of ways to make that happen.

1.)   Redefine what you base your self-worth on. Think about it! If you are a child of God that should make you pretty important!

2.)   Don’t allow your inner critic to defeat you. Look in the mirror every morning and tell yourself how wonderful you are!

3.)   Remember that “Low aim not failure is sin.” It is better to try something and fail than to be successful at doing nothing.

4.)   Reserve some time for yourself. It is permissible to have some time just for you. Take a walk, go for a swim. Take yourself to lunch or dinner.

5.)   If you have made a mistake forgive yourself. Think about the many good things that you have done and hold on to those memories.

6.)    Set goals that are reasonable.

7.)    Be true to yourself.

8.)    Stop thinking negative.

9.)     Never ask “Why did it happen to me?”

10.) Last but definitely not least, lose any excess weight.

In the words of my dad: “Stay away from the pig ears and fried pork chops.  Eat more fruits and vegetables.”