Change Depression & Low Self-Esteem

The term "one-eyed view" refers to a negative perspective of ourselves, our day, our future, and the world around us, which can lead to depression and low self-esteem. This perspective is often shaped during childhood within our families. Since it is learned, it can also be unlearned and changed. The "one-eyed view" focuses solely on the negative aspects, overlooking the positive. It's important to note that this viewpoint is just one of the seven causes of depression. #changedepression

To see the positive in yourself

(See the Blog on Changing your self-esteem) #changinglowselfesteem

Understanding how our self-esteem is created helps us learn how to change it. It’s shaped by what we hear from the people around us—parents, siblings, friends, and teachers. It's not the accuracy of what we hear, it's the number of times we hear it.

1. First, create a list of your gifts, strengths, and talents. Everyone has abilities they were born with or skills they’ve developed to make the world a better place. Each of us possesses unique qualities, and when combined, they can create something truly special.
   

2. Ask as many people as you feel comfortable with to create a list of what they believe are your gifts, strengths, and talents. After you have made your own list, have them share theirs with you. The more people you ask, the more you will benefit from this exercise. Try to aim for seven to ten individuals.
   

3. Review all the lists you have gathered. Observe how various individuals mention the same gifts. You may be surprised at how many gifts, strengths, and talents others have recognized in you.
   

4. Make a combined list of your gifts, strengths, and talents.
   

5. Then, pay attention when your unconscious mind expresses negative self-talk. Make a list of the negative thoughts that come to your mind.
   

6. Take your list of gifts, strengths, and talents to create an affirmation that counters your negative thought. For instance, instead of saying "I am so stupid," you might say something positive like "I am intuitive."
   

7. Notice any negative thoughts about yourself as they come up. When you notice one, immediately tell yourself to "stop" by either visualizing a stop sign or imagining the thought floating away in a balloon—whatever represents stopping for you. Then, replace that negative thought with a positive affirmation: "I am intuitive." Aim to do this successfully 21 times in a row. By consistently confronting and replacing the negative thoughts, your unconscious mind will help transform them into positive ones.
   

8. Follow that procedure for each negative thought. We often repeat seven different negative thoughts to ourselves.
   

9. Be mindful of your thoughts and what you focus on; it can result in the development of new patterns of negative self-talk.
   

10. Surround yourself with people who celebrate your gifts, strengths, and talents. Steer clear of those who make negative comments.

Changing your negative view to include the positive one

 The negative, one-sided perspective influences how we perceive our day. This perspective leads to a negative view of our day. Additionally, our outlook on the future tends to be pessimistic. which can ultimately result in feeling depressed.

To counteract the negative one-eyed view, take a moment several times a day to notice something you are grateful for in your life and in the world around you. Use opportunities like driving, waiting in line at the grocery store, or any brief moments you have to pause. Make it a practice at the end of the day as well. You can do this out loud with your children while in the car, encourage them to share their own moments of gratitude, and incorporate it into your family dinners. By consistently practicing this gratitude routine, you will become more skilled at recognizing positive aspects of your day. Your mind will begin to adopt this habit, making gratitude a natural part of your daily life.

You will become more adept at noticing details throughout your day as your mind cultivates this new habit. By balancing your perspective with positive thoughts, you can shift your viewpoint and foster a sense of hope. The more you concentrate on feeling grateful, the more reasons you will find to be thankful. This mindset attracts more positive experiences into your life. Universal laws operate in our daily lives, and one such law is the Law of Attraction, which states, "We attract into our lives what we focus on." (For more information, see the blog on Feeling Grateful.)