A healthy self image contributes to the way we look and if we look good, we feel good about ourselves.

Most people at one time or another in their lives suffer from poor self esteem, some more than others. Maintaining a strong, healthy self esteem is not always easy in a society that has high expectations for performance and attractiveness. Yet life has so much more to offer to those who have a healthy sense of self.

Large sections of bookstores are dedicated to self help books, many of which deal with how to bolster your self esteem. It is not within the scope of this book to deal with the subject matter in depth. From our own experience we can share a few helpful hints. If these do not provide you with the guidance you need then vie suggest that you seek help from other sources, be it other books or a visit to a psychologist. Do not get stuck in a quagmire' As the song goes, "There is such a lot of living to do."

Enjoy who you are. Like your finger prints, you are unique. No one else is exactly like you. The way you laugh and smile, the way you view the world, the way you think, are uniquely yours.

Believe that your uniqueness is important. If all of us looked the same, thought the same and dressed the same, the world would be a boring place indeed. Your uniqueness contributes to the vast and beautiful tapestry of our world, and as such you are a valuable member of humanity. Not all of us will be famous or make a huge lasting mark on the world, but to those who come in contact with us, we will make an impression on their lives. And their uniqueness will make an impression on our lives.

Accept your uniqueness. Accept who you are, as you are, right now while preparing and planning for change and growth in the future. Growth and change are an inevitable part of living. At 20 you are a drastically different person from when you were 12, and you will be different at 40 and at 60. Your view of the world will grow and change with your life experiences and the knowledge you acquire along the way.

Enhance your uniqueness.Cultivate an interesting personality Experience life. Seek out adventure or take on a new challenge.

Do not be afraid of change. At this moment in time you may not be happy with some aspect of your self image. You may think that you are too heavy or out of shape. Maybe you believe that you are too quiet, or too loud. Maybe you are unhappy with some of your life choices. Accept where you are now, knowing that nothing is written in stone. You have the power to change anything you want to change.

Be patient and gentle with yourself. Being human has entitled all of us to a special inheritance. We have the right to make mistakes. Mistakes are part of living. Dwelling on our mistakes will not make them go away Acknowledge them, learn from them and move on.

Love and be loved. We all have the capacity to love others and be loved. When you enjoy your uniqueness and importance in the fabric of life, and you accept who you are now and move creatively into the future, and you offer yourself the patience and gentleness of forgiveness you are without a doubt loveable and you are capable of loving others.