One of the basics to happy and healthy living is good and sound self-esteem. We must always work to build it and to sustain it. Without it we would become spiritually restricted, as we wouldn’t expect much from ourselves. Then we would evolve only minimally.

Self-esteem commences early in life when you begin to socialize with others. You might compare yourself to others, thinking some people are better than you in some way. That may be true, but keep in mind that you are better than them in some way as well. You can be proud of that.

Society can influence you. You are told what is important, admired and respected. Your social system defines success and failure, so your self-esteem can be influenced by where you think you fit in. If you see yourself differently from others, don’t be discouraged. This can be a positive sign of your own self-awareness.

Parents are instrumental in creating self-esteem in their kids. If they have good character, they will build it in their children. If not, they will probably put them down. Without support and praise from their family, children frequently underachieve and endure psychological abuse from those meant to give them care and guidance.

There are lots of people with low opinions of themselves. Many will prey on others to put them down, thinking it will raise them to a higher level by doing so. It doesn’t work. Individuals like that are sick. They make their souls unhealthy, as well as any life around them. Avoiding lowlifes like that improves your spirituality.

Believe in yourself. This is essential for your survival, both physically and psychologically. You matter, you have worth, and you have much to offer. If you lose a loved one, a role you enjoyed doing, or something meaningful, you can move on. But if you lose faith in yourself, you won’t be able to live a purposeful life.

Don’t be so overwhelmed by the challenging and troublesome issues which are part of your everyday life that you fail to clearly see and acknowledge the bigger picture.

As an example: When harmful insects invade your vegetable garden, you try to eliminate them. But look at the bounty of produce ready to be picked, cleaned and enjoyed. This is where the satisfaction of gardening lies. Try to get rid of those nasty bugs, yet accept that those pests are there for a reason.

Issues in your life are no different. Now go and eat your veggies!

Your soul is your garden. When there is bad energy or karma going on around it, it is though bad weather has caused its blossoms to wilt. It needs constant tending. So appreciate and be thankful to all those who bring you joy, fulfillment or peace. They are the gardeners of your soul. They remove the weeds of discontent and the bugs which eat at you. They are the ones responsible for making your soul flourish.

There are those who, after working for a long time, will tell you they’re tired of their job, they find it boring, or it’s just the same old routine with nothing new. Why? Because someone who works for a company frequently is in a situation where they do what is required of them and then collects a paycheck to live on. Their idea of “what’s in it for me” is only the money they make and that their company stay in business to guarantee the former. There is no thrill in that.

It’s different for people who own their company. They do their very best all the time to make sure their customers are satisfied. This brings them pride, satisfaction, and the opportunity to make as much of a fortune as possible. The success of their business is dependent on them and their decisions. This gives them renewed energy every day and makes their work challenging and satisfying. As work takes up so much of their lives, their lives in turn are challenging and satisfying.

When you read your Holy Book, take from it what the business owner does. Make it challenging and satisfying every time you pick it up. Those words are the work for your soul. What you get out of them is what you invest in them. Just as the owner does whatever it takes to satisfy his customer, do whatever it takes to satisfy the essence inside you. Then, as you read those spiritual words, you will reap the rewards of making as much of a spiritual fortune as possible from the time you put into it. That is the greatest compensation. You won’t find it boring or routine – and you’ll be your own spiritual boss.

Love is always sweet, whether you give it or receive it. Even when it seems bittersweet, the word bitter is followed by the word which truly defines the depth of the emotion.

Love is as common as the sounds of nature. Yet no matter how familiar its voice, we never cease to tire of hearing how sweet it is.