Self esteem is something I struggled with my entire life. I can't say I have an easy answer for you, but a few ideas have stuck with me over the years.

Dan Millman (author of The Way of the Peaceful Warrior) talks about how we cannot really control how we *feel* at any given moment, whether it be about ourselves or anything else. Self Esteem is always going to fluctuate, and some of the most amazing people throughout history have struggled with this issue of self esteem. A more appropriate angle to tackle would be Self Worth. Human life has worth by its nature, no matter who the person is or how they feel about themselves. Imagine yourself as a child - what is that child worth? Is that child worth more or less than any other children? When did that worth begin to decline? (answer: it didn't).

Another thing to consider is the impact the stories you tell yourself have on your mind and health. Dr. Masaru Emoto's water experiments strongly suggest that the language we use actually has a strong impact on the way particles behave. Take time to say kind words to yourself, even if you aren't *feeling* them to be true. Tell yourself that you are amazing, that you love yourself, etc. I used to write love notes to myself on my skin, somewhere I could see them, or doodle hearts and other loving imagery. Write empowering words on your mirror that you look into every day. Over time, these words begin to have a real impact over the way you feel and see yourself.

Overall, don't fight with yourself. It's okay to have bad days. Try to examine how you treat other people who have poor self-esteem, people you love and who you wish could see what you see in them - and then apply that same grace toward yourself. Try first to forgive yourself for your perceived lacks, mistakes etc - love will follow.

Good luck. <3