MEETING NEW PEOPLE:

Why is meeting new people so hard for most of us? Talking to strangers can cause sweaty palms and foreheads while our hearts beat in our throats.

LOW SELF ESTEEM:

Maybe, you have low self esteem. A cruel parent, sibling, friend or spouse had been doing a job on your emotions. The worst part of all is that you actually believe what this person is saying.

(1) Sometimes people who cut you down are jealous of you.

(2) They are so miserable themselves they can not say a nice word about anybody.

(3) You were in their path and you got the verbal trash thrust upon you.

Here are a few suggestions:

(a) Get out of the house.

(b) Get a job.

(c) Do volunteer work.

(d) Go back to school or take a fun class.

(e) Learn an Instrument.

(f) Join a gym and swim and exercise until your hearts content.

(g) Get a dog.

(1) Take it for daily walks.

(2) It's great for your physical and mental health.

(3) Animals give a lot of love.

TAKE THE PLUNGE! CHANGE YOUR LIFE!

I needed a shove from a friend to get me out of the house. I could not have done it myself. I took the plunge and have become a happier person because of it.

VOLUNTEER WORK: CHURCHES AND TEMPLES

This past year I have met more people than I have met in years. I joined a church and became involved in volunteer work.

I now smile on the inside.

Churches and Temples depend on volunteers. As a volunteer, you are treated as royalty. Sometimes, when you volunteer, it can become a paying job. After all, the staff know you and your working habits. What else could a perspective employer want?

HOSPITAL VOLUNTEERING:

If you do not need to work or do not have any desire to return to school, there are many places waiting to grab you as a volunteer. The hospitals can always use another pair of hands. As a volunteer, you are a cherished part of that facility.

SCHOOL VOLUNTEERING:

If you have school age children, volunteer working in the classroom or in the office. What a way to stay connected.

(1) The school and your children will love it.

(2) You will love yourself.

(3) Your self esteem will pop.

YOU CAN DO IT:

Keep your eyes and ears open. Something will jump out at you and say, "try me." Give yourself that push. It will be well worth the effort. The low self esteem and depression you have been living under will evaporate.

Before, you know it you will be laughing, joking, and making friends, a social life will follow. After all your co-workers have the same interests as you.

SMILE LIFE IS JUST GETTING BETTER!

Please feel free to check out my other articles. I would love to hear from you. Just go to the top of the article and leave a comment.

Copyright 2005 Linda Meckler

Linda has suffered with low self esteem. She knows how hard it is to reverse the damage once it has occurred but we all need to try.

Currently she is the author of "Ghost Kids Trilogy," three books in one book. CHRISTY 12, AND HER BROTHER BRAD, 16 MOVE INTO AN OLD HOUSE ON TOP OF A MOUNTAIN AND MEET TWO GHOST KIDS. Meet a Magical Blue Vase. Join Christy and Brad on a Pirates' Treasure Hunt. ADVENTURE/MYSTERY Love, Family Values and Charity burst off the pages. Visit my website at http://www.lmeckler.com my email lmecky@tns.net. Order my book at http://www.amazon.com or http://www.buybooksontheweb.com With an order of 5 books = 40% discount. An order of 20 books free shipping and handling. ISBN 0-7414-2273-5.