When I have difficulties now I immediately check my "balance" and find my center point. As you have learned, self value cannot be based on just one area of one's life or another but has to be about you as a person and how you feel about yourself, not how others feel about you.

I am sad reading your story, Webgoji, as I have a great deal of esteem for you doing what you believe/knew was right. I do not know why you do not recognize that in yourself?

A lot of my self esteem is based on my honesty, creativity, quickness and imagination, ability to learn and grow -- things that are based within me, are intrinsic, and cannot be taken away from anything on the outside. Sure I can be slow in some new area but I know I can/will eventually "get it" if I want to. I know I will have difficulties and problems but I have my trusty creativity, imagination, and sense of humor to help me.