We are all aware that females tend to have less self esteem then men. Young girls face low self esteem while in their teen years, and young boys feel a need to belong to a group. These are the key findings that I believe drives them to destructive behavior. While online looking at Dove's "Real Beauty" campaign I discovered these startling facts:
- 7 out of 10 girls believe they are not good enough or do not measure up in some way, including their looks, performance in school and relationships with friends and family members.
- 75% of girls with low self-esteem reported engaging in negative activities such as disordered eating, cutting, bullying, smoking, or drinking when feeling badly about themselves (Compared to 25% of girls with high self-esteem).
- 57% of all girls have a mother who criticizes her own looks.
- More than one-third (34%) of girls with low self-esteem believe that they are not a good enough daughter (Compared to 9% of girls with high self-esteem).
Now after reading those depressing statistics here are some tips to give young ladies to help build their self esteem :)
1. Celebrate you!
Reward yourself when you have accomplished something! You don't need to wait for others to recognize what you've done.
2. Surround yourself with positive people.
Spend time with people who are upbeat and feel good about themselves. They, in turn, will put a smile on your face and help you feel good about yourself.
3. Challenge yourself to try new things.
Try a ropes course, learn some new dance steps, speak in front of a large group. Stepping outside of your comfort zone to try new things is a great way to grow.
4. Be good to your body.
Exercising, eating well, and getting plenty of sleep will help you move toward a healthier you—inside and out!
5. Find and express the real you.
No other person has the unique combination of qualities that you have! Be proud of yourself and be courageous enough to express your true feelings.
6. Have a positive mental attitude.
A positive attitude is contagious! You'll feel good and people will want to hang out with you.
7. Learn from your experiences.
Learn from your actions—both good and bad, and use the knowledge you gain to make positive decisions in the future.
8. Find the humor in everyday life.
When you can see the funny side of things, you'll be less stressed and more likely to handle tough situations better.
I was asked to participate in the fabulous Miami Dallas Fusion Fashion Show that was held in Downtown Dallas at the Mosaic. It was a great view on the 8th floor with the runway right by the water that ran along the side of the building. It was a night that showcased the designs of independent designers from all over the US. I modeled a red dress by Darian Thomas who is a local Dallas designer. Also there were several other queens from all over Texas, it was a great time reconnecting with them all :)
