I can't imagine a better metaphor of how your past affects your self esteem than the following.

Imagine that you are in the deep end of a swimming pool and are an excellent swimmer. Next imagine that spontaneously and without warning lead weights start becoming attached to various parts of your body. First to one arm, then the other, then a leg, then two, around your neck, your waist etc. The weights are attached in such away that you cannot free yourself from them.

As more weights become attached can you see what is going to happen to you? Well I think the conclusion is obvious, isn't it? With no one there to help you you are eventually going to drown.

Now if we equate each lead weight with a negative memory or experience from your life, which by the way also get anchored to you, we have a similar situation and outcome.

If you're not fully aware of what such negativity does to you I ask you to recall one now and notice what impact it is having on you emotionally, mentally and physically while you do.

I'm sure you'll notice some or all of the following: tiredness, sadness, emotional pain, heaviness, energy depletion, feeling trapped, depressed, guilt perhaps, disappointment etc.

Doesn