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Interesting question. I think in part, it comes from others. If it didn't, then parents would not be so effective at sending their kids out into the world with tapes that denigrate their self-worth, or a heart full of faith in themselves and security about where they belong. I think extended family can counteract some of that, as can healthy other adult relationships once they are grown.
I still battle *some* of the messages embedded in my psyche.
Bottom line is that connections with others are a potent source of sense of self worth, whether positive or negative.
I also get a sense of self-worth (which is more positive) from my successes and accomplishments. I think that's probably the most stable source of a sense of self-worth. When I venture out and attempt something, and do it well, I feel very good about who I am. It definitely makes me want to repeat the experience, too. I get a tremendous sense of joy from the work I do. I am a healthcare provider, and I can float for days on the memories of scared patients and their scared parents, who by the time I was finished with them, they felt safe and empowered. (In my line of work, I have inpatients that I'm taking care of for 12 hr shifts, 4 or so days a week).
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