Positive Self Image

Building a positive self-image is a journey that requires self-awareness and intentional effort. It begins with acknowledging and accepting who you are, including your strengths and weaknesses. Embracing your individuality and understanding that everyone has unique qualities allows you to stop comparing yourself to others. Instead of focusing on perceived flaws or shortcomings, focus on recognizing your worth and the qualities that make you special. Developing this acceptance forms the foundation of a healthy self-image, where you appreciate yourself just as you are.

Another essential step in building a positive self-image is practicing self-compassion. This means treating yourself with kindness and understanding, especially during difficult times or when facing setbacks. Rather than being overly critical of yourself, learn to offer the same support and encouragement that you would give to a friend in need. Recognizing that mistakes and imperfections are part of being human can help you forgive yourself and move forward without being weighed down by guilt or self-doubt. This compassionate approach reduces negative self-talk and promotes a healthier mindset.

Engaging in activities that enhance your physical, mental, and emotional well-being also plays a crucial role in fostering a positive self-image. Taking care of your body through regular exercise, eating nutritious food, and getting adequate rest can boost your confidence and overall sense of self-worth. Similarly, investing in your mental health—whether through meditation, learning new skills, or seeking therapy—helps to cultivate a positive relationship with yourself. When you make an effort to improve your well-being, you reinforce the belief that you deserve happiness and care.

Lastly, surrounding yourself with supportive and uplifting people is vital in building and maintaining a positive self-image. The company you keep greatly influences how you see yourself. Positive relationships with friends, family, and colleagues can reinforce your sense of value and worth. Conversely, toxic relationships that encourage negativity or self-doubt can hinder your growth. By choosing to be around people who uplift and encourage you, you create an environment where your self-image can thrive, and you’re empowered to be the best version of yourself.

“Thank You Mr. Tell and thanks for being you…”  It’s ok to be human is another favorite of Doc’s. In other words, once we accept that being human means being fallible, the idea becomes to learn from our shortcomings rather than beating ourselves down because we made a booboo. Of course, not feeling remorseful, especially if the booboo harms another person, physically, mentally, or otherwise may indicate a bit of sociopathology. William’s suggestion of selfcare being inclusive of psychological care, as in a mentor, therapist, confidant, or self-help group is excellent advice. Doc claims that a short time after getting sober, having recruited a sponsor, joined a group, and made coffee for a spell, he was still so terrified of his strange new lifestyle that he recruited a spiritual director, as well.

Thank you, Uncle, Arline, Sister Beth, and all those who supported me over these twenty-five plus years of continuous abstinence from alcohol use! Special thanks to our Dog Whisperer too, your involvement in our network works wonders! Sincerely yours, Doc LaBranche.

Even today, Doc is unsure which weighed in more, his support network or willingness to build it. They sort of go hand in hand I suppose. Another consideration is believing you’re worth it. “That has been a lifelong journey of soul-searching endless effort” (Doc). Today, he figures to love others and respect them as best you can, offers a reflection of William’s positive self-image. It also builds upon that foundation, one initiated with Doc’s very first therapist at the age of eighteen or nineteen. She instructed him to pin a small little piece of fabric onto his clothing, somewhere people might notice. So, he cut a small piece of turquoise cloth, about an inch or so, and triangular shaped. Then, when anyone noticed it and asked about its purpose, he responded with it being a reminder to be grateful. In his mind he was instructed to reflect on all the wonderful things that make him who he is and grateful for what he had – two eyes that see, two ears that listen, legs to walk on, arms to hug, a nose to smell great fragrances, etc.

Now, a word of caution, the technique works so well that one of his most cherished clients, some forty years after that training exercise, labeled him as a schizophrenic narcissist. Who knows, maybe there’s some truth to that, right Princess? Doc has worn many labels. The cool part is how they all taught him how to refrain from making them personal. Wearing that turquoise amulet saved his life, many times over, if you ask him! The artwork here is a gift from a near and dear friend, an international artist: Arline Erdrich, may you rest in loving peace! To reiterate Bill’s suggestion of your social fabric, surround yourself with uplifting people, those who graciously and generously share with you the substance you need to nurture, love, and respect your true self, as Arline did for Doc. The image, created by Arline, was inspired by her first vision of Doc, up on his hot tin roof painting away the rust stains. He was new to her neighborhood, and she was impressed by him wearing his tee shirt as a turban (or amulet).