Hi,
I totally, totally get this. I am not sure what to make of self-esteem, either! I wasn't raised to believe it mattered, so that may be why?
Maybe it's the wording that confuses me...? Though to me, doing right should be what matters, and be its own reward, not the self-esteem. But to me, everyday is about...I dunno, just surviving. Happiness doesn't matter much...and yet its everything. Yep, confused as hell, I yam!
Looking forward to other answers..nice question.