Related to the video above, conduct a lesson on the meaning of true self-esteem. Say something like:
People wear masks to cover up a part of their lives where they feel vulnerable. We have a need to recognize in ourselves, and have others recognize, that we are lovable. The greatest form of true recognition is to be loved and to love. There are constructive ways for this to take place. For example:
Draw on support from people who recognize your goodness. These people are most often family members and close friends who love you as much as they love themselves.
Replace negative thoughts with positive ones. Try to avoid negative and self-defeating thoughts that begin with "I can't" or "I'm no godd" and restate them in positive terms: "I can draw very well" or "I am good at listening to others and offering my support." Also avoid negative thoughts about others. Accept all people as creations of the same Creator.
Concentrate on what's really important. Is it more important to understand the English literature you've read or to get the best grade? Is it more important to be a loyal friend to someone who is not part of the "in" group or to follow a peer leader just so you can belong. Let your actions of being loved and offering love be the criteria for all that you do.
Pray.Never forget that in God you have your number-one supporter. God cuts away all the excess of what you do or don't do and love you just the way you are. In order to achieve your full potential you must do as well as you can using all of your gifts. But as a child of God, you have been given the common need to love and to be loved. As St. Paul wrote: "Your every act should be done with love" (1 Cor 16:14).
Assignment
Complete the following sentences:
- Someday I hope to . . .
- I wish I could change . . .
- I am trying to improve my character by . . .
- People would like me better if . . .
- When I don't get my way I . . .
- I am happiest when . . .
- I am proud of __ because . . .
- When people tease me, I . . .
