One of the most fundamental strengths a person can have is a strong self esteem. And yet during adolescence there can be many circumstances that weaken a person’s self esteem. You might not have very many friends. You might think that you’re not as cool or pretty or smart as someone else. You might experience anxiety or depression which can also get in your way of feeling good about yourself. If you want to strengthen the relationship you have with yourself, get to know yourself.
But in order to love yourself, you’ve got to know yourself. Not knowing who you won’t give you the opportunity to love the uniqueness of who you are. And not knowing or loving yourself can have detrimental effects on your life. Self esteem or self-belief, which is a product of self-love, could be described as having confidence in oneself. It’s having confidence in your abilities and having respect for who you are inside and out. Yet, there are so many factors that can contribute to not loving who you are. Furthermore, those who do not have a high self esteem can be vulnerable to loneliness, depression, or anxiety. If you don’t have a high level of self-esteem, it’s important to try develop it.
A great way to do that is through creativity. This could include journaling, writing poetry, painting, dancing, or drawing. Really, any opportunity you have to express yourself is a great way to get to know who you are.
For instance, creativity is a tool you can use to work through your emotions. When you’re feeling inflicted by heavy emotions and challenging thoughts, creativity is a way to easily and safely express what’s going on inside. Along with emotions and thoughts that are difficult to bear, you might even have images that show up in your mind. Creativity gives you a special opportunity to explore the images you have and replace them with new ones.
Creativity is a way to:
- Access emotions
- Evoke a sense of being heard and acknowledged
- Foster a sense of control
- Enhance creativity
- Open the heart
- Develop trust in yourself
- Reveal inner depth
- Allow discovery of what matters
- Nurture courage
- Build self confidence
- Encourage spontaneity
- Invoke the imagination
- Boost the immune system
- Reduce stress
- Change mood
- Explore your inner world
Creativity is a healthy way to manage challenging circumstances. Of course, the process of making art also gives you the opportunity to express your thoughts and feelings. In fact, both the process itself as well as the images that are created have a therapeutic effect. The next time you feel the emotions stirring inside, pull out some paper, crayons, or paints if you have them. And simply draw out how you’re feeling.
In fact, creativity is so effective that psychologists and therapists specialize in creativity as a form of therapy – such as art therapy. Even if you’re not working with a therapist, being creative can boost your self-esteem, build your self-confidence, and help you strengthen the most important relationship you’ll have – the one with yourself.
