Hello. Allow me to introduce myself. I am a mature, attractive, intelligent, self confident woman with a great sense of humor. I have good organizational skills and enjoy planning parties, get-togethers and other events. I am a people person and have the ability to put others at ease. I keep my wits in emergency situations and think fast on my feet. I am slow to anger and swift to forgive. Cooking is a skill I have honed over years of cooking for my family and friends. My flower gardens are gorgeous and my ability to grow vegetables is improving every season.

Oh my!! Do I sound like I am bragging or boasting? No, I am merely sharing with you what I consider to be my positive attributes. I do not discuss my less than sterling qualities because I am a positive person and, as such, I focus on the positives in my life. I gain strength when focusing on what is positive about myself. With this strength I can combat any negative opinions of people who prejudge me.

We are taught when we are young not to brag about ourselves. What many of us fail to realize, is that we can still prize and share our knowledge, talents and abilities without bragging. We can be self assured about ourselves and what we have to offer. Knowing our strengths adds to our self esteem and our positive outlook on life.

My suggestion is that you take stock of what you know to be your best qualities Look closely at what you have learned, the talents you possess and the abilities you have gained over your lifetime. These are facts that are already an integral part of who you are. Be proud of who you are!

Forget the fact that perhaps you can't dance or sing or solve the New York Times crossword puzzle. Many people can't do these things. Everyone has something they cannot do. Focus on what you can do and what you do know.

Do not hesitate to volunteer what you know and what you can do. Put your good qualities to work for you. Share your knowledge and abilities with others. Boasting that you can do something better than everyone else is bragging, sharing your knowledge is not.

If you hear a neighbor complaining that he cannot garden but has always wanted to, speak up! "I have gardened for years and have a lot of experience, maybe I can advise you or give you some helpful hints."

Perhaps a friend needs assistance in domestic projects. "I am an accomplished seamstress and have the time to teach you the basics." "I have developed some very good methods of organization, perhaps I could give you some ideas for organizing your basement/garage."

I am not suggesting that you become a permanent volunteer or neighborhood helper. What I am saying is that you consider offering to help people learn to do things. Volunteering is a wonderful thing to do. Sharing your talent, abilities and knowledge by assisting others gets, and keeps you, involved with life.

Instead of looking outside yourself to find ways to boost your self esteem, look inside yourself. You have something to share with others. Do it!!

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