"عزت نفس از افرادی که در زندگی شما هستند ناشی می‌شود. نحوه‌ای که تربیت شده‌اید. چیزهایی که در کودکی با آنها دست‌و‌پنجه نرم کرده‌اید."

Self-esteem, at its simplest, is how much value you place on yourself. It's built on various aspects of your life—like the people you surround yourself with, your upbringing, and the challenges you faced when you were young. These elements shape your sense of self-worth and confidence.

Think about it. Who you have in your life affects your self-esteem. Positive relationships with family and friends who support you can boost your confidence. If you’re surrounded by people who belittle or ignore you, it’s harder to feel good about yourself.

Let’s jump back in time a bit. Historically, people have always been influenced by their social circles. Imagine a small village where everyone knows each other. If you’re a kid growing up there, your sense of self is built on the feedback you get from the community. If they praise your efforts and support you, you grow up feeling valued. If not, you might struggle with low self-esteem.

Now, let's dive into a real-life example. Think of a kid named Sarah. She grew up in a loving family where her parents encouraged her, celebrated her achievements, and supported her when she made mistakes. Her friends were kind and accepting. When she struggled with math in school, her parents helped her without judgment. With this foundation, Sarah developed a strong sense of self-worth. She knew she was valued and capable, even when facing challenges.

Contrast this with Jake, who grew up in a household where love was conditional. His parents were critical and rarely acknowledged his successes. His peers were bullies who made him feel small. When Jake struggled with math, he was met with frustration and impatience. He learned to doubt his abilities and worth. His self-esteem took a hit.

So, how can you apply this wisdom to your life? Start by evaluating your relationships. Are you surrounded by people who uplift you or bring you down? Seek out positive influences and distance yourself from negativity. Reflect on your upbringing. Identify what aspects still affect you and work on reshaping your mindset. Embrace the hardships you faced as a child—they made you resilient.

Imagine sitting in a coffee shop with a friend. They’re struggling with self-doubt. You remind them of their accomplishments, the times they've overcome obstacles. You encourage them to focus on the positives in their life now. You share your own experiences, how you’ve grown from your struggles. By being that supportive presence, you're helping them rebuild their self-esteem.

In the end, building self-esteem is a journey. It’s about recognizing and valuing the positive influences in your life, understanding how your past shapes you, and using your struggles as stepping stones. We’ve all got our stories, our battles. By focusing on the good, seeking support, and learning from our past, we can build a stronger sense of self-worth. And remember, just like talking to a friend at a coffee shop, sometimes it’s the simple, heartfelt conversations that make all the difference.